Atlanta United 2 take control early and finish the job in 2-0 win over Inter Miami II

Atlanta United 2 went on the road and handled business, beating Inter Miami CF II 2-0 in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night.

The result matched the underlying game. Atlanta controlled the match territorially and in terms of chance volume, finishing with a decisive edge in shots (23 to 6) and shots on target (14 to 5).

The breakthrough came early. Arif Kovac opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Atlanta a lead they never relinquished. It was his first goal of the 2026 season and only the second of his professional career.

From there, the game followed a familiar script. Atlanta pushed forward consistently, generating chances both inside and outside the box, while Inter Miami struggled to turn possession into meaningful opportunities. Miami finished the night without a goal despite forcing multiple saves and even hitting the crossbar late in the second half.

Atlanta added a second goal through Cameron Dunbar, who scored his first for ATL UTD 2. His performance stood out statistically as well, finishing with six shots and three on target, consistently involved in Atlanta’s attacking sequences.

Defensively, Atlanta’s night was anchored by goalkeeper James Donaldson. Making his first professional start, the 17-year-old delivered a clean sheet and handled the limited pressure Miami produced. His performance was notable beyond the result - at 17 years and 21 days, he became the youngest goalkeeper in club history to record a shutout.

The only real disruption to Atlanta’s control came late. Daniel Chica was sent off in the 85th minute after picking up a second yellow card, forcing Atlanta to see out the match with ten men. Even then, Miami never found a breakthrough.

Overall, this was a controlled road performance. Atlanta generated the better chances, converted early, and never allowed the game to open up. Miami had moments, particularly from distance and set pieces, but lacked the quality to seriously threaten the result.

Atlanta leaves Fort Lauderdale with a deserved three points and a performance that, while not dramatic, was efficient and complete.