Inter Miami Strike First as they beat Atlanta in the MLS Playoff Opener

Miami kicked off the Major League Soccer playoffs with a win against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium with a goal inside the first two minutes.

It was a dominant display from the home side, who were given the freedom to control the game and enjoyed most of the possession. Had it not been for an inspired performance from Brad Guzan in the Atlanta goal, this would have been a more comfortable win.

Miami’s intent was evident from the first whistle, and they immediately launched an early attack. A trademark run down the left flank by Jordi Alba saw a quick passing move link up with Diego Gomez.

His quick feet found Luis Saurez, who prodded the ball home off Guzan to take the lead and ignite an already excited home crowd.

Atlanta had hardly settled into the game and suddenly found themselves one goal down against arguably the most prolific attacking side in the competition. With something of a hill to climb, they had to focus on defensive duties first as Inter continued to push and stretch the United defense.

Lionel Messi was a constant concern for the away side. Whenever he receives the ball, you expect something special, and he often delivers.

He hit the woodwork and tested Guzan a number of times, but the veteran keeper was in terrific form and, despite the loss, will see it as a personal victory to keep Messi out.

Atlanta is the one side that consistently tests the Herons, having beaten them earlier this season. They’ve become something of a bogey team, with Saba Lobjanidze often the biggest thorn in their side.

And it was the tricky midfielder who proved critical as he unlocked the Miami defense to restore parity. With halftime approaching, Lobjanidze timed his run perfectly to collect a pass from Pedro Amador and beat Drake Callender.

The Miami players failed to track the run, leaving their keeper exposed, and they were punished in the worst possible way with a neat finish.

Miami came out in the second half with something to prove, but they were made to wait as Guzan was equal to everything they threw at him. However, they eventually made the breakthrough, and it was well worth waiting for.

Messi and Alba swapped passes on the edge of the United penalty area before the diminutive fullback let fly with a shot from distance that even the inspired Guzan couldn’t stop. It was a memorable strike and worthy of the title, match winner.

Alba has proved himself to be one the best attacking defenders of all time, and his stats prove that as he continues to show his class. Three goals and twelve assists is an excellent return for a left-back, and his input cannot be underestimated.

After the goal, chances came and went for both sides with no further addition to the scoreline as Inter continued to dictate the game, with Sergio Busquets providing his usual level of calm and consistency.

The two sides will do it all again next Saturday in round two, as Atlanta attempt to keep themselves in the tie when they play on home soil at Mercedes Benz Stadium.

They’ll need to rethink their approach if they want to get anything from that game. Miami had far too much firepower for United to cope with, and the Herons will be quietly confident of securing consecutive wins next time out.

Coach Gerardo Marino will be pleased with an impressive display and win. However, the big sour note of the night was the injury to Ian Fray. The young midfielder pulled up with what appears to be another worrying injury for the Academy graduate.

Fray has a long history of knee problems, and everyone will hope this is just a minor injury and the midfielder can be back on the pitch as soon as possible.