Miami seal the win with a Suarez penalty

CF Montreal 0 – 1 Inter Miami

MONTREAL, QC–Inter Miami continued their winning run with a hard-fought contest away to Montreal in a game that was overshadowed by an injury to German Berterame. The Herons had to rely on a late penalty from Luis Suarez after Berterame was fouled and suffered an injury in the process.

Players’ reactions suggested it was serious as they frantically called for medical assistance as the striker lay prostrate on the ground. After a long delay the game resumed and Suarez finished the penalty with a Panenka kick, floating a delicate chip into the middle of the goal to fox Sebastian Breza.

Casemiro was making his Miami debut, and his guile and experience was needed early on as the home side pushed for an opener. Montreal have a poor goalscoring record, whereas Miami have been leaking goals, so it was hard to know what to expect.

Daniel Rios should have scored inside five minutes after Prince-Osei Owusu did well to find his teammate in the danger zone, but the Mexican made a mess of it and the chance was lost. Rocco Rios Novo had to be sharp when Hennadii Synchuk flicked and effort towards goal from close range, but the keeper was alert to the danger.

Montreal’s early ambition faded as the half wore on, and Miami began to settle into their usual stride.

Casemiro was already making his presence felt and dropped deep to receive the ball to dictate play, threading passes and trying to create something. But openings were hard to come by at either end in a tight, cagey encounter as both sides struggled to find any kind of serious penetration.

Telasco Segovia almost provided something special towards the end of the first half when his shot from the edge of the area smashed off the top of the crossbar and out to safety for Montreal. It was a similar pattern after the break, and although Miami saw more of the ball, they didn’t do enough with it and were unable to open up the Montreal defense.

And true to their season, the home side offered little going forward. You sensed that a moment, or a mistake might settle the tie. But it was the late penalty that proved decisive, for both Miami and Berterame, who was ultimately taken away in an ambulance.

However, the Mexican striker has been discharged from hospital after a night of observation and is reported to be doing well.

It was an important win for Miami as they chase the leading pack, but Montreal will have to go back to the drawing board after a lackluster display in front of their home fans, against a side missing some of their best players.

For Miami it was another crucial three points and something they haven’t managed enough this season, a clean sheet. Rios Novo was selected after his horror show last  time out, and the keeper repaid that faith with some smart stops and interventions.

Next up for the Herons it’s a home clash with Columbus Crew.

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