Inter Miami CF II (3W-9L-1D, 10 points) fell 5-0 to Atlanta United 2 (5W-4L-3D, 18 points) at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia on Sunday night.
Miami’s starting XI featured Owen Finnerty in goal with Israel Boatwright, Tyler Hall, Farid Sar-Sar, and Cesar Abadia-Reda starting on defense for the Herons; Abel Caputo and Ricardo Montenegro in midfield with Miles Perkovich, Lawson Sunderland, Lucas Meek in front of them; Lorenzo D’Agostini led the team at striker.
The first half began with relatively few shots by both sides, as both fought to control the ball during the first 15 minutes of the frame. Inter Miami saved an early shot from Atlanta in the fifth minute, and would fight to defend their own net through the remainder of the first 15. That was until Atlanta got on the board early, with Eric Centeno finding the back of the net off a rebound. After the goal, Miami amped up its effort by getting more looks and, consequently, more shots towards the goal, especially with a near chance on a cross by Perkovich in the 27th minute. However, Inter Miami fell to 10 men in the 34th minute, resulting in a challenge in the second half.
Inter Miami came out of the break looking to put itself back in the game, with an early chance on a sliding attack towards the goal by Bryan Destin, who was subbed on at the 46th minute. In the 66th, though, it was Nick Firmino who was the hero for Atlanta, sealing the deal with a pair of goals within two minutes to put his side up 3-0. After Firmino’s pair, David Mejía added to the scoresheet with a brace of his own to make it 5-0 at the final whistle.
Inter Miami CF II returns back home to DRV PNK Stadium this week, as FC Cincinnati 2 comes to Fort Lauderdale for more MLS NEXT Pro action. Kickoff is set for this Thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m. ET.
