Atlanta United 2 wins in penalty shootout vs. Inter Miami CF II

Atlanta United 2 earned a shootout victory over Inter Miami CF II Sunday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium after the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Noah Cobb, Nick Firmino and Kofi Twumasi each scored to help Atlanta United 2 come back from two-goal deficit in the second half to tie the game and earn the extra point in a penalty shootout. Despite the resilient performance, ATL UTD 2 was eliminated from playoff contention.

Miami got out to an early lead through Lawson Sunderland in the third minute. After a long buildup from the back, Nykolas Sessock received the ball inside the left edge of the 18-yard-box on a perfectly chipped ball from Alejandro Flores. Sessock headed a pass to Sunderland at the back post for Miami’s team captain to power in the goal into the roof of the net.

After the goal, Atlanta took control of possession and fired off six of the next eight shots. However, Miami earned a free kick just outside the box when Chris Gloster was called for a hand ball in the 34th minute. Flores’ free kick ricocheted off the crossbar and fell to Tyler Hall in front of goal for an easy tap in for Miami.

Atlanta answered with a goal of their own seven minutes later. The home side earned a foul in the 42nd minute just outside Miami’s final third where Toni Tiente sent in a cross to the center of the box for Cobb. The Homegrown center back rose above his defender and headed in his second goal of the season for ATL UTD 2 while Tiente added third assist of season.