While it was nervy for a period, Inter Miami captured victory in the first clash of a best-of-three series with Atlanta United in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Herons got off to a flying start when Luis Suárez bagged Miami’s first ever playoff goal inside two minutes, which looked like an ominous sign for the visitors from Atlanta.
But after a long stretch of the home side dominating the ball and narrowly missing a flurry of chances, the Five Stripes stunned the home crowd with a goal from Saba Lobzhanidze on the break.
It looked like it just wouldn’t be Miami’s night until Jordi Alba laced a shot from outside of the box past Brad Guzan to reclaim the lead in emphatic fashion.
Game two of the series comes next weekend in Atlanta, and should the Five Stripes level the series score, it will be decided in a third and final match in Miami.