Inter Miami went into their MLS Cup Playoff against lowest-ranked qualifiers Atlanta United looking to continue their dominant displays across the regular season.
However, Atlanta and a certain Brad Guzan had other ideas for the powerhouses from Florida.
Despite finishing a staggering 34 points above their opponents, the Herons’ failed to defeat The Five Stripes.
At the heart of Atlanta’s stubborn defence, which on the whole kept the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez pretty quiet, was veteran US goalkeeper Guzan.
The now 40-year-old shot-stopper was no shrinking violet during the games with Inter Miami, as an altercation with Suarez highlighted in the pivotal third game.
Brad Guzan on viral Inter Miami altercation
Despite making a string of saves across the three games against a goal-hungry Inter Miami side, who had scored 79 goals in their 34 regular season games coming into the playoffs, it was a bust-up in the net that really sent Guzan into the headlines.
The former Premier League keeper was bundled into his own goal by Inter Miami’s Leo Campana following a Messi header before facing off with Suarez.
Speaking on the Major League Journeymen podcast, Guzan said: “I turn around, [Messi] then grabs the ball out of my arms… and I get shoved. And as I get shoved, I turn around, like, ‘Who the hell is shoving me?’
“I’m waiting now for the net to stop me going backwards… and then I’m falling, and I’m like, ‘I’m still falling.’ I’m still falling at this point now.
Then I see Suárez as I’m in the net, and I slingshot myself out of the net and into him. I’m at a 10. Then I saw Suárez in my face, went to a 15, and then slingshot myself out of the net. It was WWE style.”
The clip of Guzan falling into his own net has had people in hysterics on social media with many applauding his reaction to the altercation with Suarez.
Inter Miami look to Club World Cup draw after early MLS play-off exit
The MLS season might be over for Inter Miami, but they still have some excitement ahead with the FIFA Club World Cup draw taking place in Miami on December 5th.
David Beckham’s side were handed a spot in the competition in somewhat controversial circumstances following their Supporters’ Shield victory, something that many have argued against.
Atlanta, on the other hand, are now preparing for an Eastern Conference semifinal tie against Orlando City on November 24th.
The Five Stripes defeated Orlando both home and away in the regular season and will be looking to upset the odds once more against their higher-seeded opponents.