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Tag: Derrick Williams

  • MLS Playoffs: Atlanta wins 2-1 over Inter Miami and forces a game three

    MLS Playoffs: Atlanta wins 2-1 over Inter Miami and forces a game three

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    “That’s our story this year, we make things interesting,” said Atlanta United interim manager Rob Valentino during his postgame press conference. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    Atlanta United had one opportunity to extend the 2024 season. One opportunity in front of the home fans to keep the dream alive. A 2-1 loss in Miami last week made Saturday’s match even more important than a playoff match already was.

    With a minute remaining of the five minutes of stoppage time given at the end of the match, Xande Silva, a late-match substitution in this match, saved the day with his strike to the bottom right of the Inter Miami net. His goal gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead and new life.

    Atlanta defender Derrick Williams headed in the tying goal early in the second half, his first as a member of the squad, in the 58th minute of the most important match of the season. Pedrio Almador’s pass found Williams and the majority of the crowd of 68,455, the fifth-highest attendance for a Major League Soccer playoff match, went wild. Whenever big clubs come to town there are always thousands of opponent jerseys in the stands, and Inter Miami has more than most whenever they play in Atlanta.

    Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute courtesy of a David Martinez goal that shouldn’t have even seen the light of day. An error by Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan led to an opportunity for Martinez, a defender, to get a clear look at the goal from a few feet away.

    Prior to Miami’s goal, there were several opportunities for Atlanta to take a much-needed early lead. Atlanta United dominated possession for several minutes resulting in three corner kicks, but no goals.

    Inter Miami manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino after the match. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice

    During the first half, Inter Miami held an advantage in possession (54.5%-45.5%) but Atlanta took one more shot-on-goal (5-4).

    During the second half, Guzan saved a Luiz Suarez short kick from becoming the game-deciding goal. Messi scored what looked to be a second goal for Inter Miami, but he was offsides.

    After the match, Atlanta United interim manager Rob Valentino said the victory was a team effort and his team “makes things interesting.”

    Asked about Williams’ efforts tonight, Valentino said the defender was a pleasure to coach and is a great teammate. “He’s a quiet leader, he leads by example, he’s not the one you see shouting and screaming,” Valentino said.

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    Donnell Suggs

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  • Same thing, different day: Atlanta United falls at home 3-2 to rival Charlotte, suffers fifth straight home loss

    Same thing, different day: Atlanta United falls at home 3-2 to rival Charlotte, suffers fifth straight home loss

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    Charlotte came into the match with a record of 6-4-6 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta (now 4-4-8 overall), though further down in the standings, brought momentum with them back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. A victory at Inter Miami on Wednesday was the team’s first victory on the road this season. It didn’t matter, as Charlotte managed to win in Atlanta again, this time 3-2 in front of 61,209 fans. 

    The loss was the team’s fifth consecutive at home. “We are playing good, but when you don’t score the goals in key moments you suffer,” Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda said after the match.

    Something had to give

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    Donnell Suggs

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