Inter Miami lose their unbeaten record in seven goal thriller

Inter Miami 3 – 4 FC Dallas

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–Inter Miami threw away a two-goal lead in an enthralling encounter against FC Dallas, which saw the home side lose its season-long unbeaten record.

Missing their veteran quartet of Lionel Messi and company from the starting line-up, the Miami side had a different look about it, particularly in attack, with Allen Obando leading the line along with Benjamin Cremaschi.

And it was Dallas that came out firing, as they took the game straight to the Herons from the first whistle. They dominated the game in the opening minutes and asked the early questions. The tactic worked, as the constant pressure led to the first goal.

Dallas continued to push forward, and they caused some confusion in the Miami penalty area. Eventually, the loose ball ran to Shaq Moore, and he drove an unstoppable shot low and hard past Drake Callender to open the scoring.

Miami looked to bounce back quickly as they stepped up their possession-based game and attempt to enjoy more of the ball to dictate the play.

Due to rotation and lack of availability, Tomas Aviles started the game out of position in central midfield and didn’t look comfortable. His positioning was leaving gaps in the midfield, and Dallas were able to play the ball around too easily.

Ian Fray received the ball on the right, and the full back made a great run as he beat one man and then outpaced another as he reached the touchline. His cross was struck by Leo Afonso and caused mayhem in the box.

After some heroics by Maarten Paes to keep the ball out, Fafa Picault gave him no chance when he fired home the loose ball and brought parity to the game.

Miami had their tails up at this point and took the lead soon after, and Fray was the provider again. He received the ball out wide, and a quick cross was met perfectly by Obando, who poked it past Paes to give his side the lead.

Dallas continued to attempt to break down Miami’s resilient defence, but Luciano Costa cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to impose himself on the match during the first half.

It only seemed to get worse for Costa and his teammates in the second half when Marinez drove home Inter’s third goal, after some great work by Cremaschi.

But as Miami appeared to be cruising, Dallas got themselves a lifeline when they made the most of a free kick, and Osaze Urhoghide managed to beat Callender with a deflected strike.

Miami continued to attack, but they were caught napping when a long ball found Anderson Julio’s run, and he scored on his debut to silence the home supporters.

At this stage, it was anyone’s game, and it was Dallas who took the chance with some great work by Logan Farrington, who didn’t give up the chase.

His cutback found Pedro Martins, who slammed the ball past Callender to seal the win and condemn Inter Miami to their first defeat of the season.

It was a tough afternoon for Miami, who were without their talisman and captain for the defeat. And just as telling was the missing Sergio Busquets, who normally dictates the game and is a calm head in difficult times.

But Miami will not worry too much about a mere bump in the road, in their quest to top the table again this year.

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