Atlanta United advances to face Inter Miami CF after Wild Card win

Atlanta wins on penalties after a 0-0 draw

Atlanta United FC advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals after defeating FC Cincinnati 3-1 on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in their Wild Card match on Sunday night. Atlanta will now face Inter Miami CF in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The first leg will be played in Miami on Sunday, October 23, with the second leg at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, October 30.

Gutman makes two saves in the shootout

After a scoreless 90 minutes and 30 minutes of extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved Cincinnati's first two penalties, giving Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Luiz Araújo and Thiago Almada converted their penalties to put Atlanta on the verge of victory. Brandon Vazquez scored Cincinnati's third penalty, but Caleb Wiley's miss sealed the win for Atlanta.

Atlanta's defense shines

Atlanta's defense was outstanding throughout the match, limiting Cincinnati to just three shots on target. Miles Robinson and Alan Franco were excellent in central defense, while George Bello and Brooks Lennon were solid at full-back.

Atlanta creates chances but can't find a goal

Atlanta created several good chances to score but couldn't find a way past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. Josef Martínez had a great chance in the first half, but his shot was saved by Celentano. Almada also had a good chance in the second half, but his shot went just wide.

Atlanta wins on penalties for the second time this season

This is the second time Atlanta has won on penalties this season. The Five Stripes also defeated the New England Revolution on penalties in the US Open Cup quarterfinals.

Atlanta will face Inter Miami CF in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

Atlanta will now face Inter Miami CF in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Miami finished fourth in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. The two teams have not met since 2020.