2 days Ago By Alyssa Clang, Yardbarker
Atlanta United started its Major Soccer League season with solid performances against New England and Orlando but fell apart as the spring dragged on. By the time Atlanta lined up in May against Inter Miami, its star-studded Southeast rival, it was mired in a nine-match MLS winless streak and teetering on the edge of disaster. Fighting for first in the Eastern Conference, Miami entered the match as the clear favorite, but that didn't matter.
Atlanta found a second gear and delivered an all-time performance, beating Miami, 3-1, on the strength of Saba Lobzhanidze's brace. It remains the only time this season that full-strength Miami — with Lionel Messi starting on the wing — was roundly beaten. SABA SILENCES THE MIAMI CROWD AND WHAT A WAY TO DO IT pic.
twitter.com/CFCdxOaYNu Atlanta's stunning victory proved that all was not lost for the Five Stripes this season. Atlanta used its momentum to offload key players, hire a new coach and execute backroom shuffles that rejuvenated its season over the course of the summer.
That Miami game was the pivot upon which Atlanta's season turned; the win was the start of immense change. Four months later, and Miami could well be the pivot for Atlanta once again. The teams will play again Wednesday, with Miami holding first in the Eastern Conference by 10 points and Atlanta sitting two points outside of the playoff positions in 10th.
If Atlanta can pull off some Miami magic once again, it could complete one of the great MLS turnarounds in recent years and earn a spot in the postseason. The key to Atlanta's Miami rematch is newly signed designated player Aleksei Miranchuk from Russia. He arrived in July from Europa League champion Atalanta but has yet to make much of an impact with the team.
A scene-stealing performance from Miranchuk would underscore the hard work Atlanta has done on the scouting front and provide a new path to Atlanta goals. Mesmerizing. Maestro.
Miranchuk. pic.twitter.
com/P06ZN8NUmb But for Miranchuk to stand out, he must outperform Messi. Miami's Argentinian star is back after a lengthy absence recovering from an injury he suffered in the Copa America final. He has made up for lost time, scoring a brace in his return against Philadelphia and rocketing himself up MLS' Golden Boot standings.
Instant impact from the All of Lionel Messi's key moments in his first action since July. pic.twitter.
com/o7pAyYPl7c Atlanta has improved after its early season doldrums, but it enters this match following a humbling 2-0 loss to Nashville SC. According to Atlanta interim coach Rob Valentino , though, that doesn't matter. "You move on, you dust yourself off, and you go again," he said after the loss , casting his eyes ahead to the Miami clash.
"I've said it all year long, whether it's been high or low, good or bad. You have to move forward." To move forward, though, Atlanta must recapture some of its past magic from May.
Atlanta United will host Inter Miami at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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