A Leo Campana Cracker Secures the Points for Miami

Toronto FC 0-1 Inter Miami

TORONTO, ON–A stunning strike from Leo Campana late in added time was the best moment in a game that rarely had the fans on the edge of their seats.

It was a hugely different starting eleven for Miami from their win against Columbus last time out, and it led to a disjointed display for much of the game. Toronto dominated the first half without really posing a great threat as the game was played in the middle third for large parts of the first half.

Toronto’s best chance came in the opening minute when they attacked from the first whistle. For a moment it looked like Miami had been caught napping as they were opened up, but Oscar Ustari, in for the rested Drake Callender, made a great stop to prevent an early embarrassment.

Ustari was on hand again later in the first half when he foiled the Toronto attack with an impressive double save when it looked like a goal was inevitable.

The Miami subs bench was a list of superstars, as coach Gerardo Martino rested his big-name players for the match, including captain Lionel Messi.

Leo Campana, Robert Taylor and Mateus Rojas were tasked with spearheading the Miami attack, and they struggled to get into the game as the home side controlled the tempo and clearly had the upper hand in the early stages.

Richie Laryea on the right for Toronto was a constant thorn in the Miami defence with his pace and movement. Franco Negri struggled to cope with him, but Toronto never looked convincing up front.

They flattered to deceive. Their build up play was good, they created openings, and they made Miami work, but as is often the case with many teams, the final ball was lacking and there was no real penetration.

They really failed to make an impact on a game they really needed to win. Three points would have helped their case for extending their season, but they never really ignited. Johnathon Osorio was unusually quiet, and it was an uninspiring performance in front of a lively home crowd that wanted more.

This was an under strength Inter Miami eleven, you would expect any side to grasp the opportunity and really take the game to Miami to test them. They seemed to try early on but dropped off quickly and their attack was tepid at best.

The biggest cheer of the night came when Messi started to warm up as the crowd sensed that the great man would enter the stage. They didn’t have to wait long as he was joined by Sergio Busquets to try and change their sides fortunes. Luis Suarez soon followed onto the pitch, as the coach appeared to go for broke and try and secure the win. And they did it in some style.

Deep into added time and with mere moments left on the clock, Suarez combined with Campana down the left. The Uruguayans exquisite, volleyed cross fell right on the knee of his teammate, who had found some space between the two towering defenders. His swivel and shot gave Sean Johnson no chance in goal. It was a memorable moment in what in truth was a dire game.

You can excuse Miami after what has been a big week for them and the club after securing the Supporters’ Shield. However, this was Toronto’s last game of the season and whilst they will argue that they tried, they looked poor and devoid of ideas.

Miami have a break now before they take on New England Revolution in their last game of the season, as they chase an MLS points record.