Inter Miami Stay Top of the MLS Standings with Victory Over Chicago Fire
[Image description: Inter Miami players celebrating a goal, with Lionel Messi nowhere to be seen]
In a thrilling 2-1 win over Chicago Fire, Inter Miami FC extended their lead at the top of the MLS standings, despite the absence of star man Lionel Messi due to injury. The Argentine superstar’s omission didn’t prove to be a problem for the home team, as they secured their 16th win in 25 games, five points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati.
The match got off to a flying start, with Matias Rojas netting Inter Miami’s opener in the sixth minute. Rafael Czichos pulled one back for the Fire in the 73rd minute, but Jordi Alba’s strike just two minutes later sealed the deal for the hosts.
Around the league
In other MLS action, FC Cincinnati suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat at the hands of New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls’ Lewis Morgan stole the show with two goals, either side of Kyle Duncan’s strike, which put the hosts 3-0 up by the 59th minute. Corey Baird’s consolation goal for Cincinnati came in the 67th minute.
Philadelphia Union maintained their challenge for a playoff spot with a 3-0 win over Nashville, thanks to a hat-trick from Daniel Gazdag. The Union’s talisman scored in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes to keep them one point behind Atlanta United for the final East playoff spot.
Atlanta United themselves came from behind to beat Columbus 2-1 at home, thanks to goals from Stian Gregersen in the 60th and 77th minutes. Meanwhile, Toronto FC secured a 1-0 win over Montreal, courtesy of Richie Laryea’s goal in the 38th minute.
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