Inter Miami Secures Dramatic 3-2 Win Despite Messi’s Absence
Inter Miami delivered a thrilling performance in the Major League, clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory against Sporting Kansas City, even in the absence of superstar Lionel Messi.
This electrifying match showcased the depth and resilience of Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s squad as they extended their unbeaten streak across all competitions to an impressive 12 games.
Miami’s Challenge Without Messi
Inter Miami, originally grappling with a lower standing in the Eastern Conference before Messi’s arrival, recognises the urgency of their climb into the top nine to secure a playoff spot.
However, their journey didn’t begin smoothly in this encounter.
Goalkeeper Drake Callender faced an early setback, failing to secure a drive from Felipe Gutierrez, which allowed Daniel Salloi to capitalise and slot the ball into the net.
Nevertheless, Miami swiftly bounced back, drawing level in the 25th minute through a penalty converted by Leonardo Campana.
Campana’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he went on to net a fine header from a DeAndre Yedlin cross, giving Miami a 2-1 lead just before halftime.
Campana’s Heroics and Missed Hat-Trick Opportunity
Unlike Lionel Messi, who was unavailable due to international duty, Campana seized the opportunity to shine.
His commanding presence on the field culminated in a deft touch goalwards from a low Jordi Alba cross after the break.
Yet, Sporting Kansas City’s goalkeeper, Tim Melia, thwarted his efforts with an impressive save.
Sergio Busquets Orchestrates the Third Goal
Sergio Busquets, another former Spain international in Miami’s ranks, played a pivotal role in crafting the third goal.
Displaying exceptional awareness, Busquets executed a quick free-kick from the halfway line, sending Argentine forward Facundo Farias on a goal-scoring mission.
Farias, one of the young South American talents recently added to the team, exhibited composure as he clinically dispatched a perfectly placed shot past Melia.
Miami’s Playoff Aspirations and Wayne Rooney’s DC United
Inter Miami’s victory brings them within striking distance of the playoff positions in the Eastern Conference, now trailing Wayne Rooney’s DC United by just six points.
Notably, Miami holds two games in hand, heightening their prospects of securing a coveted playoff berth.
Champions LAFC Stumble; Portland Timbers Eye Playoffs
Meanwhile, reigning champions Los Angeles FC faced their third consecutive defeat with a 2-0 loss against the Portland Timbers.
This defeat has intensified the Timbers’ playoff push, positioning them just one point shy of the playoff places with six games left in their season.
Minnesota United’s Late Equalizer; Bruce Arena’s Departure from New England
In another Eastern Conference matchup, Minnesota United managed a stoppage-time equaliser through Franco Fragapane, securing a 1-1 draw against second-placed New England.
Carles Gil initially gave the Revolution a lead with an exquisite first-time finish.
Additionally, New England announced the resignation of their head coach and sporting director, Bruce Arena, following an MLS investigation into what the league deemed “insensitive and inappropriate remarks.”
Arena’s former assistant, Richie Williams, will assume the interim head coach role for the team moving forward.
