It feels good to come back home after three consecutive road matches last week for Atlanta United. The 5-Stripes will host Inter Miami CF in Game 2 of the Round One Best-of-3 series. After dropping the opening match by the narrowest of margins, 2-1, the team is excited to come back home and play in front of the loudest and rowdiest crowd in MLS. Atlanta has to win, whether in regulation or in a penalty shootout, to force a Game 3 next week down in Fort Lauderdale. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Inter Miami CF.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be one of the most intimidating stadiums to play in. Especially when the capacity is raised to its maximum and all levels of the stands are open. Visiting players know it and feel it. The 5-Stripes know it and feel it as well. In the playoffs, that energy and those emotions get cranked up another notch. In the club's eight-year history, Atlanta has played five playoff matches with a Full Venue capacity at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team is 4-0-1 (W-L-T) in those matches and has outscored the opponents 9-1 in those five matches. It’s time to add another resounding victory to the ledger this weekend.

One of the keys to victory on Saturday night will be the start of the match. Last time out, Miami jumped to an early lead in the second minute. Atlanta needs to do a better job of staying focused from the opening whistle. If they can do that and they can feed off the energy that the full venue crowd is going to bring, that would go a long way to coming out victorious on Saturday night. That doesn’t necessarily mean the team has to score right away. Sometimes a clean tackle, a hustle play to keep a ball in play or a good pressing action to regain the ball high up field can send the crowd into a roaring frenzy. The 5-Stripes need to feed off every ounce of energy the 17s are going to bring to this match on the weekend.

After a long and grueling season up until this point, it comes down to winning on Saturday night to keep the season going. When the legs get tired on Saturday, that’s when the team will need the lift from the crowd to keep pushing and keep running. That home field advantage is the best in MLS and the team will need that once again on Saturday to defeat a top side like Miami. Come out early. Be Loud. Be Rowdy. Be Proud.

Atlanta United's Home Advantage

The energy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a key factor for Atlanta United. The team thrives in front of their home crowd, having a strong record in playoff matches with a full venue. The 5-Stripes have a history of success in these high-pressure games, and their fans will be crucial in pushing the team to victory.

Can Atlanta United Hold Off Messi's Magic?

Atlanta United is facing a tough challenge as they prepare to face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF. Messi has been a dominant force in the MLS, and his presence has changed the landscape of the league. With the stakes high, Atlanta will need a complete team performance to overcome Miami's star-studded roster.

How to Watch the Match

For those wanting to catch the action, the match will be available through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. This service offers a wide range of options for viewers, including access on various devices and platforms.

Inter Miami's Road to the Playoffs

Inter Miami has had a successful season, securing the Supporters' Shield title and making a strong showing in the playoffs. The team's offense, led by Messi and Luis Suárez, has been a key factor in their success.

Inter Miami's Match Preview

The match will be a crucial one for Inter Miami as they seek to advance to the next round of the playoffs. Their win in the first game of the series gives them a slight edge, but they'll be looking to secure a victory on the road to eliminate Atlanta United.

Key Players to Watch

Lionel Messi's performance will be a major factor in the match. His ability to create scoring opportunities and his influence on the game cannot be overstated. Luis Suarez will also be a player to watch, as he's been in strong form throughout the season.

Conclusion: A Battle for the East

The match between Atlanta United and Inter Miami CF is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have talented players and a strong will to win. This matchup will determine which team advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the outcome will have significant implications for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Verdict: A Battle for Survival

The pressure is on for Atlanta United. They must find a way to defeat Inter Miami at home to keep their season alive. It's a battle for survival, and a chance to make a statement on the national stage.