Inter Miami CF II secured its third consecutive victory in their visit to Atlanta United 2 on a hard-fought MLS Next Pro night. The team delivered an excellent collective performance, earning crucial points as they aim for a potential playoff spot. The match featured a goal from Ryan Carmichael, as well as a clutch performance by Cole Jensen.
Inter Miami CF II, coached by Federico Higuaín, took to the field in a 4-3-3 formation with Cole Jensen between the sticks; captain Nyk Sessock, Tye Barton, Giovanni Ferraina, and Samuel Basabe in defense; Derrek Martinez, Ricardo Montenegro, and Alejandro Flores formed the midfield; while Idoh Zeltzer-Zubida and Ryan Carmichael flanked striker Cohen Yuval in attack.
Inter Miami started the match facing heavy pressure and possession from the home team, which was a constant factor throughout the first 45 minutes. The team managed to alleviate this pressure at times by playing out wide using their fullbacks to exploit the counter attacks. This was reflected in the 32nd minute when captain Sessock played out from the right flank and, after a great pass, found forward Carmichael, who clinically finished to score his ninth goal of the regular season, establishing himself as the team's leading scorer. This goal gave the Herons the edge for the remainder of the first half in Atlanta.
The second half started at a blistering pace, with both teams going back and forth into each other’s boxes. Inter Miami continued to fend off Atlanta's efforts, largely thanks to a tremendous performance from Jensen, the goalkeeper, who registered six saves, including one in a dangerous play by the home side during stoppage time. This stellar performance by the keeper, coupled with great sacrifice from the rest of the team, earned Inter Miami three points, putting them one step closer to securing the much-desired playoff spot.
This victory places Inter Miami in the fourth position in the Eastern Conference with 45 points and marks another positive result for the team as they head into the two final matches of the regular season.
Up next, Inter Miami CF II will return home to host Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, September 29, at Chase Stadium at 3 p.m. ET in a match where the victory would secure the team a playoff spot.
