INTER MIAMI were left stunned as they lost in their MLS Cup play-off second leg.
That is despite being gifted a goal following an absolute howler from a Premier League cult hero.
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Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan suffered the nightmare five minutes before half-time.
There appeared to be no danger when the veteran 40-year-old had the ball safely in his hands in the Atlanta United penalty area.
However, as he went to clear upfield, he got himself into a right pickle, dropping the ball and falling on the floor.
Replays showed Federico Redondo dummied to interrupt the clearance – but crucially feinted and did not actually attempt to make a block which would have resulted in a free-kick.
Instead, Redondo gratefully accepted the loose ball at his feet and played a simple pass to David Martinez.
And the defender showed the composure of his team-mate Lionel Messi to delicately chip the ball over the Atlanta defenders into the empty net to break the deadlock.
Guzan immediately complained to the referee but his protests fell on deaf ears as the goal was allowed to stand.
Ironically, Guzan had been hailed as playing like “prime Buffon” in the first leg.
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The American made nine saves and even made a tackle on Messi 30 yards out from his goal.
But despite his shocking blunder on Saturday, Guzan had the last laugh.
Derrick Williams equalised just before the hour mark for Atlanta before Xande Silva grabbed a winner deep into injury time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
That secured the 2-1 victory for Atlanta – balancing out the 2-1 Inter Miami win in the first leg last Saturday.
But rather than go to extra-time and then penalties if needed, instead a third leg will take place in Florida next weekend to determine who will progress to the MLS Cup Conference semi-finals – with the winner facing Orlando City or Charlotte FC.
David Beckham’s club will host the all-important deciding third leg because they finished top of the Eastern Conference – whereas Atlanta were bottom of the nine-team division.
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