Chicago Fire 1 Inter Miami 4
A second brace in as many games for Lois Suarez made for a convincing win for the away side as they maintain their eight point lead at the top of the table.
The veteran striker has been in fine form recently and could have easily had a hat-rick after hitting the crossbar and and going close a number of times.
But it was an own goal that set things off when that man Suarez had a shot well save by Chris Brady, only for his parry to hit Tobias Salquist and ricochet into his own net. It was an unfortunate error but Miami had been building a head of steam and it was a well deserved lead.
Chicago were full of endeavour but lacked any kind of cutting edge, despite their attacking line up. They couldn’t handle Miami’s quick movement and inter play as they move the ball quickly and used the space well. Their combination of youth and experience was on show again with willing runners throughout the team, and wise heads dictating the play.
Miami continued to control the game, and it felt like it was a matter of time before they added to the lead. And it took them a matter of seconds from the restart.
The Fire conceded possession cheaply in the middle of the pitch, and Diego Gomez picked up the lose ball to releases Suarez who beats Brady at his near post to make it two nil.
It was sloppy from Chicago but underlines Miami’s ability to strike at any time. They have the fire power and the ability to turn defense into attack so quickly. It’s almost like they can score at will sometimes, and this was another example.
A free kick in their own half was taken by Sergio Busquets and perfectly weighted to Alba on the left wing. His first time cross found Suarez in front of goal for a simple tap in. It took just three touches from the free kick to make it three nil and essentially end the match as a contest.
Chicago looked tired and out of ideas but they kept trying and got their reward with less than ten minutes left in the game.
A break down the right fed Georgia Koutsias and his sliding shot beats Drake Callender to spoil the Miami keepers clean sheet and give the home supporters some hope. Indeed it certainly lifted their game and they looked more dangerous after the goal than at any other time.
And just as they got their tails up, Miami struck again. A counter quick attack with Leo Campana who played in substitute Robert Taylor who thumps it through the keep to restore the three goal advantage.
It was a dominating display from Miami who continue to win despite being without their captain Lionel Messi as he recovers from his injury.
Suarez was the star again with two goals and a great performance, but Busquets and Alba were their usual influential selves and Miami looked like a well oiled machine as they overcame a hard working Chicago side to make it a comfortable night.