Inter Miami drop points as they huff and puff their way to a draw

Inter Miami 2 – 2 Columbus Crew

MIAMI, FL–Inter Miami had to settle for a share of the points at home to Columbus Crew after they conceded a late goal and continue their poor defensive record.

The Herons welcomed Rodrigo de Paul and Lionel Messi back into the squad after featuring in the World Cup, with the skipper starting on the bench.

It was an energetic start to the game as both sides showed early ambition to try and get a march on their opponent and take the advantage.

And it was Miami that opened the scoring when Andre Gomez was caught in possession by Yannick Bright close to his own penalty area and Suarez lofted his pitching wedge over Patrick Schulte, who was way off his line.

It was an audacious attempt, but no more than what we have come to expect from a player that continues to perform and write the headlines.

That was the striker’s fifteenth goal of the season, and the eighth in the last seven games, which is a phenomenal return for a player who is a few months shy of his fortieth birthday.

It could have been two on the half hour mark when Bright was through on goal with Schulte Stranded off his line again, but his first touch was poor and the chance was lost. Soon after that a goal mouth scramble went unpunished and Columbus scrambled the ball away.

And then followed the sucker punch when Casemiro’s attempt to cut out the cross from Taha Habroune, was diverted into his own net.

Starting his first home game the Brazilian had a couple of minutes to forget. He gave the ball away cheaply with a poor pass which led to the Columbus attack, only to inadvertently finish it for them.

It was a bit of good fortune for the visitors, who up until that point had done little to threaten the Miami goal and were lucky to be on level terms.

And as the half time whistle was fast approaching the home side took the lead again. De Paul played in Suarez and the veteran added to his goal with an assist, when his cross found the head of the onrushing Noah Allen.

It was initially ruled offside but after a VAR review the goal stood and Miami were back in front as they headed into the break.

Suarez could have put some light between the two sides early in the second half when he was through on goal, but Schulte made an excellent stop to deny the Uruguayan.

Messi was introduced soon after, much to the delight of the home fans who gave the Argentine a rapturous welcome.

And he almost scored within seconds of coming on but could only hit the side netting from a tight angle. His introduction changed the game and the atmosphere in the ground as Miami suddenly looked more like the potent threat they so often are.

Despite the increase in momentum, it was Columbus that came closest when Jamal Thiare hit the bar after his shot was deflected.

And as Miami should have been looking to close the game out, things turned the other way and they lost their lead for the second time.

Brais Mendez floated a free kick into the box and Miami just didn’t deal with it. It was poor defending and you have to wonder why Rocco Rios Novo stayed on his line and not attack the ball.

By staying put he could do nothing but watch as the ball floated over and in off the far post. The keeper has had a chance to shine in the absence of Dayne St Clair but has failed to take his opportunity.

It was a similar story for Miami. Goals are not hard to find, but clean sheets are a different story all together.

They’ve now scored forty-five goals this season, level at the top with Cincinnati, whilst they’ve conceded thirty-two, more than double that of Nashville.

It’s an issue that hasn’t been resolved but a change of goalkeeper would be a wise move. Rios Novo has been off form in recent matches, and I would expect a change between the sticks isn’t far away.