MIAMI, Fla. – Inter Miami CF let a two-goal lead slip away Saturday night, settling for a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United at Nu Stadium after Breel Embolo converted a late penalty to level the match.
Inter Miami appeared in control after taking a 2-1 lead into halftime, but Atlanta found its way back into the match in the final minutes and earned a point on the road.
Casemiro opened the scoring for Miami in the 32nd minute, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Atlanta answered just three minutes later when Miguel Almirón found the back of the net in the 35th minute, quickly erasing Miami’s lead.
Luis Suárez restored Miami’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, scoring in the 45th minute to send Inter Miami into the break ahead 2-1.
The second half remained tight as Atlanta searched for an equalizer and Miami looked to put the match away. Lionel Messi finished with four shots, but none were on target as Atlanta goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made four saves.
Atlanta finally broke through in the 87th minute.
After a foul inside the penalty area, Embolo stepped to the spot and calmly converted, sending his right-footed attempt into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-2.
Neither team could find a winner during the remaining minutes, and Miami had to settle for a point despite twice holding the lead.
The result moved Inter Miami to 12-6-4 and 42 points, keeping the club near the top of the Eastern Conference. Atlanta improved to 6-3-13 and 21 points.
Miami controlled much of the attacking threat but struggled to turn its opportunities into a decisive third goal. Atlanta goalkeeper St. Clair finished with four saves and helped keep the visitors within striking distance before Embolo’s late penalty.
For Miami, the draw marked a frustrating conclusion to a match in which the club had twice held the advantage. Atlanta, meanwhile, leaves South Florida with a valuable road point after refusing to go away.
Inter Miami’s next opportunity to bounce back will come as the club continues its push near the top of the Eastern Conference.
