Atlanta United FC

Lore & Background

The 2024 playoff series between Atlanta United FC and Inter Miami CF produced one of the most dramatic upsets in MLS history. Miami entered as the Supporters' Shield winners with a record 74 points, while Atlanta had secured the ninth and final playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. The 34-point gap between the two clubs was the largest ever between playoff opponents. After Miami won the first match, Atlanta rallied to take the second and third games, eliminating the top seed. The series highlighted the unpredictability of the best-of-three format and marked a stunning end to Miami's record-setting regular season.

In Their Own Story

Atlanta United FC arrived in Fort Lauderdale as heavy underdogs. They had finished the regular season 34 points behind Inter Miami CF, the largest gap between any two playoff opponents in league history. After dropping the first match, Atlanta refused to fold. They won the second and third games of the best-of-three series, eliminating the Supporters' Shield winners in the first round. The upset sent shockwaves through MLS and ended Miami's historic 74-point season earlier than expected.

Reader's Guide

Atlanta United FC's path to the 2024 playoffs was defined by their status as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference. They faced Inter Miami CF, who had set an MLS record with 74 points during the regular season and won the Supporters' Shield. The best-of-three first-round series saw Miami take the opening match, but Atlanta responded by winning the next two games to advance. The 34-point difference between the two teams in the final standings was the largest margin in MLS Cup playoffs history. Lionel Messi, who scored 20 goals during the regular season and won the Landon Donovan MVP Award, was unable to prevent the upset. Atlanta's victory demonstrated the volatility of the playoff format and ended Miami's championship aspirations.

Did You Know?

• Atlanta United FC eliminated Inter Miami CF in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs despite being seeded ninth in the Eastern Conference.
• The 34-point difference between Atlanta and Miami in the regular season standings was the largest in MLS Cup playoffs history.
• Atlanta won the second and third matches of the best-of-three series after losing the first match.
• Inter Miami CF had set an MLS record with 74 points during the 2024 regular season before being eliminated by Atlanta.