MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Earns 1-1 Draw with Atlanta United FC

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By Inter Miami CF

May 9^th, 2021

MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Earns 1-1 Draw with Atlanta United FC

Inter Miami CF (1-1-2, 5 points) earned a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United FC at DRV PNK Stadium in front of another sellout crowd. Lewis Morgan registered his first goal of the season and was selected Heineken Man of the Match, while Gregore registered his first assist as an Inter Miami player.

Lineup Notes

Inter Miami lined up with one new face in its starting XI, as Brek Shea made his first start of 2021 at left back. Blaise Matuidi, meanwhile, wore the captain's armband for the first time this season.

Match Action

Inter Miami opened the proceedings on the front foot, creating a dangerous opportunity in the second minute; Morgan delivered a curling free kick from the right wing that found Leandro González Pirez in the box, whose diving header went just wide at the near post.

Moments later, a quick attack in transition was started with a backheel flick from Gonzalo Higuaín that freed Morgan down the wing. The Scottish winger played a pass to Rodolfo Pizarro at the top of the box, but his shot was blocked.

In the ninth minute, however, Atlanta found an opening goal; Josef Martínez received a pass from Emerson Hyndman inside the box, quickly turned and fired a powerful shot inside the far post for a goal and a 0-1 lead.

Inter Miami was forced into an early substitution in the 14th minute as Blaise Matuidi came off with an injury and was replaced by Joevin Jones.

The hosts responded with another pair of chances, first in the 17th minute through another free kick from Morgan that found the head of LGP, whose header nearly crossed the line through the hands of Brad Guzan. One minute later, Inter Miami countered, with Victor Ulloa playing a through ball to Morgan down the wing, who played an early low cross to Higuaín in the box but his shot was saved.

Inter Miami continued attacking throughout the half, notably threatening from set pieces, but the match entered halftime 0-1.

The second half again began with the hosts attacking Atlanta, including early shots from Pizarro and LGP. In the 57th minute, the team brought on Federico Higuaín for Brek Shea. The Argentine midfielder quickly made an impact with sharp runs and passes.

His effort paid dividends in the 77th minute; Gregore played a pass forward to Morgan down the right wing as Federico Higuaín made an overlapping run, pulling a defender away from him. Morgan then cut in on his left foot and drove past a defender before firing a powerful left-footed shot from the right side of the box that cut inside the near post and found the back of the net for an equalizing goal. The goal marked Morgan's first of 2021 while the assist from Gregore also marked his first since joining Inter Miami this season.

Inter Miami continued to push for a winner, making a pair of substitutions in the 81st minute; Edison Azcona came on, making his second appearance for the team and his first at DRV PNK Stadium, while Sami Guediri came on alongside him, replacing Morgan and Jay Chapman, respectively.

Inter Miami appeared to have a chance at a winning goal in the first minute of added time; Gonzalo Higuaín tracked down a long ball on the left wing, turned and played a beautiful cross to Ulloa in the box, whose efforts were saved.

After a few more threatening set pieces, the referee blew the final whistle, resulting in a 1-1 draw in South Florida.

Heineken Man of the Match

Lewis Morgan was named Heineken Man of the Match for his efforts against Atlanta. Inter Miami's 2020 MVP scored his first goal of 2021 to equalize the match in the 77th minute.

Post-Match Reaction

“I thought in the first half they were the better team, we played too cautiously in terms of our press...In the second half I saw a team that was prepared to do anything to try and get back in the game, win the game and certainly not lose it,” said head coach Phil Neville. “I’m happy at the end of the game."