A dominant display by Miami seals all three points against DC

Inter Miami 3 – 2 DC United

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–A brace from Lionel Messi proved to be the difference as his Miami side dominated possession in front of their home fans to secure a much needed win.

A late goal by Jacob Murrell kept the home fans on the edge of their seat as the Herons failed to put the game to bed earlier on when they had the chances.

Coach Javier Mashcerano will clearly be pleased with the three points but not with his side conceding cheap goals. Add to that the hat full of great chances his side missed, and you have reason for concern.

Miami’s defence has been a problem all season and teams continue to find a way through. Mascherano rarely selects the same back four and it feels like a settled line up at the back is going to help. It’s an area that needs addressing now if Inter are going to make a serious challenge to defend their title.

DC did what many teams do and made it difficult for Miami to play their natural game, while posing their own threat in the form of Christian Benteke and the lively Joao Peglow.

It restricted Miami and they hardly had any good openings in the first half an hour of the match. However that soon changed when Messi threaded the ball perfectly over the top for Tadeo Allende to run onto and finish perfectly.

It was no more than the home side deserved, and it was a simple goal. Messi made it look easy, but his pass was matched by the run and pace of Allende whose excellent finish shows how composed this young man is.

DC started the second half on the front foot and had Miami back tracking from the word go. And they got their reward when a Brandon Servania cross found Benteke and his stooping header beat the hapless Oscar Ustari.

Miami were disorganised, giving away possession too easily and had to get a grip on the game. The goal seemed to wake them up and they suddenly they were making chances for fun.

Messi hit the woodwork, substitute Telasco Segovia skied a great opportunity and youngster Mateo Silvetti hit the bar after Miami were awarded a penalty.

The DC goal was living a charmed life, and it felt like a matter of time before their defence would be breached again.

And it was that man Messi again. He received the ball on the edge of the area in space, and that spelt trouble for DC. Sure enough the Miami captain curled the ball perfectly beyond the dive of Luis Barraza to give his side a two-goal lead.

Miami then had the chance to see the game out comfortably, but they didn’t, and DC had more to say.

Benteke went close late on with a good chance before turning provider when he played in Murrell who fired past Ustari and keep the Miami nerves on edge right to the final whistle.

A win is a win, and the Miami faithful will be happy to get the result, but the team will have to improve defensively if they want to be serious contenders for the supporters shield this season.

Photos from Edwin Gomez

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