Miami drop points after being held by Toronto FC

Toronto 1 – 1 Inter Miami

TORONTO, ON–Toronto had goalkeeper Sean Johnson to thank for an inspired performance that restricted Miami’s goal count, thwarting Lionel Messi a number of times

It was a frustrating game for Miami who were met by a defensively organised unit and a team that never stopped running.

Toronto had drawn six games in a row ahead of this one, so that same scoreline might have been a wise bet. But with the firepower at Javier Mascherano’s disposal, nothing less than a win for Miami was expected.

Dominating possession is a regular trait of this Miami side, and this game was no different as they totally controlled the game, but it wasn’t enough.

Despite having most of the ball, they still couldn’t break down this resilient Toronto team. In particular Johnson, who had a night he won’t forget between the sticks, as he frustrated the Miami captain repeatedly throughout the game.

Most notably close the half hour mark when Messi was played in by Sergio Busquets, but his shot was well saved by Johnson to keep the game level, but the big keeper had a busy afternoon ahead.

At the other end Oscar Ustari had his own work to deal with and had to push a long drive away as Toronto continued to pose a threat on the break.

The home side weren’t afraid to have a go at Miami and Theo Corbeanu was a regular outlet for the side down the right flank as they continued to keep the defence on their toes and Djordje Mihailovic is the kind of player that can make things happen when he’s on his game.

But it was Miami that eventually got the breakthrough on the stroke of half time when Jordi Alba crossed perfectly for Tadeo Allende who scored his ninth league goal of the season with a fine header.

It was Alba’s eleventh assist of the season and underlines the importance of his attacking contributions to the team

Toronto came out in the second half with more intent and started to enjoy more of the ball early on. And they made it pay quickly as Mihailovic tapped home a chance after a goal mouth scramble that had the Miami defence in a mess.

A sweeping cross from Richie Laryea found the new man unmarked in front of goal, and he made no mistake to bring parity to the match.

Rodrigo DePaul wasn’t his influential self; Lois Suarez had a quiet game and Miami looked like a side that are playing a lot of football as they catch up on missed games after playing in the Club World Cup earlier this year.

Substitute Telasco Segovia linked up well with a neat back heal to Messi, but Johnson was again equal to anything the Argentine could throw at him.

A late free kick provided the platform for a grandstand finish, but Johnson took it in his stride and seemed to be determined not to concede again.

Miami scrambled in the dying minutes as they searched for a winner, but Toronto held firm, and the Herons had to settle for the draw.