Inter Miami earned its first road victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team was led to victory by goals from Juan Agudelo and former Atlanta United player Brek Shea, whose goal was his second in consecutive matches, both against former teams.
The performance was a complete one as Inter Miami created several goal-scoring opportunities, scored two goals and defended well, limiting chances for their opponents.
“The feelings are very good [after the match]. We played a great match, one of our best. Above all else, you can win a match, but to win a match doing what you set out to do makes it a lot easier to repeat. We’re happy because we did what we set out to and we continue taking steps forward,” said manager Diego Alonso. “It was undoubtedly the best match we’ve played on the road. We were able to take control of the match, with the ball and then at the end defending spaces well...We never stopped attacking, we were always looking for our third goal. I think it was important to threaten our opponents and I think it was a complete performance.”
The manager was pleased with the performances of the match’s two goal scorers, citing Shea and Agudelo as important factors in the team’s success.
“We’re happy with the performances Brek [Shea] has been putting in. He’s helping the team a lot. He joined the team late and was coming off a long-term injury, and little by little he’s been getting in the rhythm necessary to play, and he’s helped us grow as a team.”
“Agudelo played a complete match. Beyond the goal, he helped us a lot with our play. He’s a player who involves himself a lot in the buildup and helps us a lot. He can play as a number nine, he’s not necessarily a winger, but can play on the wing when he cuts in and we have a fullback who passes to him. He’s a player who gives us the ability to put him in different positions and he always works hard for the team. We’re happy with him,” added Alonso.
Agudelo was also pleased with the performance, referencing the team’s positive mindset heading into the match.
“It’s huge [to win a game on the road]. We didn’t want to start the game how we started our previous game. Coach tried to put that in our brains and we came out flying. I thought we came out trying to put pressure on them and trying to make them scared, and to know that we weren’t playing around today, we were coming for three points,” said Agudelo. “The goal opened things up for us, they weren’t keeping the ball as much as they wanted to and all the boys just worked their butts off today.”
On his positional versatility, Agudelo said, “Luckily I have had the experience of playing in multiple positions in some big games, so I feel comfortable wherever the manager decides. I’m always going to be that guy that’s going to give it my all no matter what position I play. I try to do as much as I can to help the team.”
Shea shared many of the same sentiments as his coach and teammate, but also expressing his joy at merely being able to play again after a long period of recovery.
“I’m happy, I think everyone’s happy. We got the three points, we played really really well, and it was fun. It was enjoyable to be out there and obviously to be able to score is a great feeling,” said Shea. “I was out for a year and three months, it’s going to take a while to get back to where I want to be. But I’m having fun and I love this group of guys.”
On his relationship with his co-star of the night, Shea added, “Me and Juan have been close friends for many many years, playing on the national team together on all levels. It’s fun to play with him on the Club team day in and day out.”
