Since Denis Bouanga missed multiple scoring opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, it appeared as though LFC had accomplished everything but scoring. This was partly because of Drake Callander, the goalie for Inter Miami, and other players’ subpar finishing. The Salamis played horribly throughout the game, and Steven Cherundolo must have sensed his chance was coming at halftime.
After the break, Inter Miami picked up even more steam, and Messi once more increased the lead by delivering a beautiful pass to Alba. Messi then contributed to the third and final goal, which Inter Miami scored in the 83rd minute to secure the victory.
Inter Miami gains three points in the bottom part of the Eastern Conference, moving them up to 25 points overall, keeping them in 14th place but bringing them within eight points of the playoff line. The Seattle Sounders have passed LFC to capture third place in the Western Conference, but the match is still in their hands.
Live coverage of the LFC vs. Inter Miami game by sports news included score updates, analysis, and highlights.
LFC (4-3-3, starting from the right): 24. Hollingshead – 23. Acosta (Tilman, 46′), 6. Sanchez (Krasstev, 81′), 19. Bogusz – 10. Vela, 9. M. Gonzalez (Oliveira, 62′), 99. Bouanga. 77. McCarthy (GK) – 30. Palencia, 33. Long, 14. Chiellini (Murillo, 54′), 24.
Inter Miami (3-5-2, starting from the right): 6. Evels, 27. Krivtsov, and 31. Miller. 1. Callander (GK). 2. Yedlin, 10. Messi, 11. Farias (Campana, 74′), 8. D. Gomez (Uloa, 86′), 5. Busquets, 30. Kremaschi (Aroyo, 74′), 18. Alba (Elan, 82′), and 30.
Inter Miami vs. LFC: Second Half, 90+4 minutes: Possibly, LFC! The night is not only Denis Bouanga’s. The delivery is on its way to the far post at the other end, but his volley misses the crossbar. His seventh attempt was unsuccessful for Gabon International.
90 plus 1 minute Goal! LFC! Hold on! Is there anything here? As stoppage time got underway, Inter Miami, who had maintained the league’s worst defensive record, once more appeared frail. There are six minutes remaining in stoppage time, and Ryan Hollingshead is in the corner.
In the 86th minute, both teams’ midfields switch Victor Uloa out for Diego Gomez. The process of removing the next one from the pitch is taking a while. After a short while, Denis Bouanga is arrested.
Goal in the 83rd minute! Miami Inter! By securing the victory, Lionel Messi locates Leonardo Campana! Both teams start a two-on-one attack, and despite Messi’s desire to take it alone, Timothy Tilman’s pressure causes him to receive the ball at his feet. He positions Campana for a curling finish into the distant corner as a result.
The game is over after Messi’s second assist of the contest!
More about Messi.
82nd minute: Another change for both teams. Eli Sanchez is replaced by Philip Krasstev in the LFC midfield, and Noah Elan is brought in to replace Jordi Alba at fullback for Inter Miami.
In the 77th minute, LFC’s Diego Palacios receives a caution for tackling Andre Yedlin in the middle of the field. After Lionel Messi and Leonardo Campana’s earlier tries fell short, Ted Ankel booked Palacios as Yedlin was being treated by the referee.
A short while later, Jesus Murillo was cautioned for a behind-the-back challenge on Lionel Messi.
Tata Martino, the head coach of Inter Miami, makes his first replacement in the 74th minute, replacing Fasundo Farias and Benja Kremaschi with Leonardo Campana and Dixon Aroyo.
In the 72nd minute, Lionel Messi almost makes a wonderful assist, but four players block it before Fábio Fariás can fire off a back-heel shot. Nevertheless, the young Argentine’s effort bounces right into John MacCarthy’s grasp.
Fariás then signs Matheus Bogusz to play midfield. Although the pitch is a little scruffy, the defense manages to keep it under control.
Ryan Hollingshead, who switched from playing forward in the USL to full-back in the professional ranks, appears a little out of place as he approaches the top of the penalty box and smashes a shot from a great distance in the 70th minute. A good attempt could have been made, but it missed the LFAFC Supporters’ Section. Another excellent opportunity is lost.
64th Minute: To the dismay of the LFAFC defenders, who show their displeasure by sitting on the ground, Jesus Murillo receives a yellow card for a late tackle on DeAndre Yedlin.
61st Minute: Inter Miami has a chance! Picking collecting the ball in midfield, Fábio Fariás skillfully maneuvers it past two LFAFC defenders. With the pursuing defenders on his heels, he approaches the penalty area fast and launches his shot, which misses wide. There is a great possibility to win the game now!
The game is again in the balance, so Steve Cherundolo makes another substitute in the 54th minute. He replaces Georgi Chelini with Jesus Murillo, changing the backline on a like-for-like basis. A long shot by Timothy Tilman clears the crossbar.
50th Minute: Inter Miami starts the second half with a much better-looking ball, and LFAFC doesn’t apply as much pressure to them as they did in the first.
DeAndre Yedlin finds himself in a risky situation on the right but is unable to get assistance, so he must take a shot from a tight angle that flies into the side netting.
Start: Keelin Acosta has been replaced in the LFAFC midfield by Timothy Tilman as the second half gets underway. In the middle of the field, Cherundolo has indicated that he wants a somewhat more aggressive attitude, but overall, they’ll “keep doing what’s been working.”
LFAFC 0–1 Inter Miami at the break LFAFC is somehow behind Inter Miami at the half. The first half was completely controlled by LFAFC, who did everything but score a goal. Dennis Bouanga had two excellent scoring opportunities, but he missed passing to Carlos Vela on the counter and both of his shots were saved.
Fabio Farias scored one of Inter Miami’s two chances during the first half. On the other hand, a fantastic John Mac Carthy save prevented Lionel Messi from scoring in a one-on-one situation, which could have been worse for the home team. Inter Miami can’t continue to play under this kind of pressure and can’t rely on maintaining a clean sheet, thus Tata Martino may need to modify the team or the tactical approach for the second half.
