2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 11
Inter Miami CF vs. Atlanta United
Inter Miami CF Stadium – Fort Lauderdale
September 9 – 8:00 PM ET
TV: TSN2
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
LOCAL TV: FOX Sports South, MyTV33 (Miami), Univision 23 (Miami)
After sharing the spoils in a goalless draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium September 2, Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United square off in Fort Lauderdale desperate for goals — and a win — Wednesday night.
Inter Miami CF (1W-6L-2D) are coming off a second consecutive 0-0 draw, sharing the points with Nashville SC Sunday and haven't scored in over 300 minutes. Atlanta United (3W-4L-2D), meanwhile, rallied at the death to avoid back-to-back losses to Orlando City SC with Adam Jahn's stoppage-time header leveling the match at 1-1.
Inter Miami CF
Blaise Matuidi didn't just make his MLS debut, he was in the starting XI, impressing in his 79-minute stint Sunday night. He completed 90 percent of his 52 passes, created a pair of chances, one that nearly resulted in an 8th minute goal and had six recoveries.
"I feel like he did a great job. He had a great game, despite the fact that he only had a few training sessions with the team," Miami head coach Diego Alonso said of the World Cup winner. "But he really showed his quality, his intelligence, to be able to help the team play better. And I think that will time he's going to be able to adapt and surely he's going to help us take a step forward and grow."
Miami signed the former Juventus midfielder on a TAM deal, which means there's still a Designated Player spot available. Consider striker Radamel Falcao interested, according to reports.
"I have two more years left in my contract with Galatasaray and I want to play with Inter Miami because there are a lot of Colombians there and it reminds me of my country," Falcao reportedly said in an interview with motivational speaker Daniel Habif.
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: George Acosta (M) - left knee injury
- OUT: David Norman Jr (M) - left ankle injury
- OUT: Denso Ulysse (D) - left lower leg injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Atlanta United
Atlanta United made it official Monday, announcing Pity Martinez's sale to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr FC for a reported $18 million dollar transfer fee. Rumors continue to swirl around Ezequiel Barco's potential transfer, which means club president Darren Eales will be very busy trying to land a a big-money difference maker or two during this transfer window.
As for the here and now, interim head coach Stephen Glass would like to see the Five Stripes come out with the kind of intensity they showed in the second half against Orlando from the opening kickoff against Miami this time around.
"We played like the game was on the line," Glass said of the second half at Exploria Stadium Saturday. "And I think we need to start like that so there is a real determination that we don't allow it to become the other team scores first and let's get back in the game. If we can get on top and do that sort of thing early, then I think that’s exactly what we're looking for from the start."
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Josef Martinez (F) - ACL injury
- OUT: Fernando Meza (D) - knee injury
- Suspended: Franco Escobar (D)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- This is the second all-time meeting between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United with the teams playing to a 0-0 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium September 2.
Officials
- Referee: Robert Sibiga
- Assistant Referees: Adam Garner, Brooke Mayo
- 4th Official: Natalie Simon
- VAR: Sorin Stoica
