Morgan tallies twice as Inter Miami edge Atlanta

Lewis Morgan's two first-half goals paced Inter Miami CF to a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United FC on Wednesday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Morgan's first goal came in the 28th minute. The play started on a counter attack by Miami (2-6-2, eight points) with Rodolfo Pizarro pushing the ball into the penalty area and passing it to Morgan, whose right-footed shot past Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan gave the home team a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta (3-5-2, 11 points) tied the score 1-1 in the 33rd minute on a goal by Eric Remedi. The midfielder's shot was blocked in the penalty area, but he retrieved the rebound and, while falling, pushed a right-footed shot past Miami goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Inter retook the lead 2-1 on Morgan's second goal of the night in the 38th minute. Ben Sweet's crossing pass into the penalty area was brought down by Morgan who chipped a right-footed shot past Guzan.

Atlanta appeared to tie the score 2-2 in the 43rd minute on Erick "Cubo" Torres' converted rebound following a penalty shot by Ezequiel Barco that was saved by Robles. The penalty kick was awarded after Miami's Nicolas Figal elbowed Atlanta's Jon Gallagher in the 18-yard bix. Figal was given a yellow card for the foul.

However, referee Robert Sibiga dismissed the goal due to a player from each team entering the penalty area before the shot attempt after the video review. The final ruling was a retake of the penalty shot. The second penalty attempt by Barco was saved by Robles in the 47th minute.

Atlanta's best opportunities to tie the score in the second half came on a low free kick by Torres in the 55th minute and Emerson Hyndman's shot attempt just outside of the penalty area in the 79th minute. Both attempts were saved by Robles, who was credited with four saves.

Atlanta outshot Miami 13-8, attempted more corner kicks (7-4) and had possession of the ball of 65.2 percent of the game.