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Tag: Rob Valentino

  • 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

    “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.

    Donnell Suggs

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  • Jamal Thiaré and Atlanta United steal victory from Toronto in thrilling fashion

    Jamal Thiaré and Atlanta United steal victory from Toronto in thrilling fashion

    Atlanta United Forward Jamal Thiaré scored the game winning goal in the 97th minute, giving the Five Stripes a much-needed 2-1 victory over Toronto FC. Thiaré’s goal sent the crowd of 42,568 into delirium while securing the three points.

    With the victory, Atlanta United is now two points out of seventh place.

    “I wasn’t surprised, because I just had a feeling that the goalkeeper was going to put the ball down on the turf, and then I focused on making sure to do my job,” Thiaré said after the game.

    The victory was the first for interim manager Rob Valentino. In his post-match remarks, Valentino admitted he’s never seen a contest end this way.

    “That’s what we were joking about, exactly how we wanted it,” Valentino said. “I would say I’m on the younger side of coaching and the younger side of being in the game, but I have never seen anything like that. I made the joke to Dax [McCarty], after I ridiculously went sprinting down the sideline, that he has played 20 years now and I bet he has never seen a finish like that. It was incredible, bizarre, but I’m glad we’re on this side of it.”

    Designated Players showed up tonight

    Meanwhile, Thiago Almada scored his sixth goal of the season two minutes into first-half stoppage time. While rumors abound regarding Almada’s future in Atlanta, his performance throughout the match were of very high standard. He was proactive in the final third and was looking to create opportunities for himself and the fellow attackers.

    Federico Bernardeschi quickly equalized for Toronto after the halftime break. He was assisted on the goal by fellow Italian, Lorenzo Insigne. The second half evolved into a cagey battle as both teams counterattacked and nearly scored potential game-winning goals.

    In the end, it was Thiaré’s brilliance that broke the deadlock. 

    “I mean it will only help us in the best of ways,” says Atlanta United defender Caleb Wiley. “I think we really needed that win. We go back on the road next week. So I think the boys are in pretty high spirits after this win and we’ll go to New England and try to do the same thing.”

    Atlanta United’s next home match will be against New York City FC on July 17th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM. 

    Itoro N. Umontuen

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