Categories: Inter MiamiMLSProst InternationalSan Diego FC

Inter Miami lose pace on top spot

Photo: Edwin Gomez

Inter Miami 2 – 2 San Diego FC

MIAMI, FL–Inter Miami were forced to settle for a draw after they conceded yet another late goal that as good as ended their chance of winning the Supporters’ Shield.

As Nashville confirmed their playoff place with a humbling of Chicago on Saturday night, this was a game Miami had to win to stand any realistic chance of catching the leaders.

Having gone behind early on, they did all the hard work and got themselves ahead but were undone late in the game once again when the defence was found wanting.

As Miami looked to start the game positively and get on the front foot, they were completely undone when Jeppe Tverskov slipped a perfect pass in for Anders Dreyer. The front man collected the ball and finished in style with a delicate chip over Dayne St. Clair.

It seemed to fire up Miami who went looking for the equaliser. They pushed hard from that moment and created some openings without truly threatening the San Diego goal. But a cheap free kick conceded gave Miami a set piece opportunity.

Messi floated in a dangerous ball in that avoided everyone and bounced in off the post. Former Miami keeper CJ dos Santos made some excellent stops throughout the game, but he made a mess of this, rushing off his line with his arms outstretched, but did nothing.

The goal clearly gave Miami confidence, and they picked up the pace, creating a number of chances, only to be foiled by dos Santos in goal, who despite his earlier calamities was having an inspired evening.

Messi came closest late in the second half when his left foot shot was fired in, but the San Diego keeper got a strong hand behind it and was able to gather the ball.

It was more of the same in the second half as the visitors struggled to keep the ball, giving Messi and co the room and the platform to create, and they did. German Berterame kept the ball on the edge of the area, and it broke for Rodrig De Paul who threaded the needle for Lois Suarez who fired home to give his side the lead.

And as it looked like Miami might be able to enjoy a rare home win, they were split in two for the second time of the night when Tverskov floated in another fabulous pass that found Dreyer, who made no mistake to deliver a late blow for the Herons.

It signalled a late flurry from the home side and a chaotic few minutes unfolded as they desperately tried to get a late winner. San Diego defended resolutely and were able to hold on and take a well-deserved point.

Miami have now given up fifteen points from winning positions at home this season and it’s now starting to show in the table as they sit third on goal difference to New England.

With Nashville maintaining a clear lead and with games running out, it’s fair to say that Miami need to start winning and hope Nashville start losing, if they are going to finish top of the regular season, neither of which look likely.

Photos by Edwin Gomez