Miami Concede Late Equaliser in New York City

New York City 1 Miami 1

A goal in the last seconds of the match gave New York City a well-earned point after they went toe-to-toe with Miami and gave them a real test.

It was a tough afternoon for Miami, who had been pegged back in their own half for much of the game. With Lionel Messi on the pitch, there will always be chances created, and although they didn’t enjoy their normal space and freedom, Inter went close a number of times but couldn’t beat Matt Freese.

Jordi Alba was restricted to his own half of the pitch for most of the first half, nullifying his usual attacking potential and forcing Inter onto the back foot. Lois Suarez was feeding on scraps, and it was New York that looked more likely to open the scoring.

Maxi Moralez was a constant threat to the Miami back line, and his link-up play with Santiago Rodriguez caused the defenders a number of scary moments.

Drake Callender was the busier of the two keepers, but as the first half progressed, Miami started to impose themselves on the game and play to their strengths.

Still coping with injuries, Miami was boosted by the return from suspension of Tomas Aviles at the heart of the back line.

New York was enjoying the lion’s share of possession and should have taken the lead early in the second half when they opened up the Miami defence. Keaton Parks found himself in front of goal. And just when you expected the ball to hit the back of the net, he fluffed his lines and hit it high and wide.

Fredrick Redondo and Yannick Bright were being worked hard in the middle of the pitch as New York pressed and pressurized from start to finish.

Frustrations started to boil over just after the hour mark as Thiago Martinez and Messi exchanged words, appearing to disagree on something. Alba was booked for a push, and Tomas Aviles seemed to run a hundred yards to have his say, earning himself another pointless yellow card.

Having missed five games through suspension this season, the young centre-half needs to show more discipline. He played well, and it was a welcome return, but he needs to control his temper or continue to miss games.

As you would expect, Messi was at the heart of most of Miami’s attacking moves, and it was the Argentine that inspired his side’s first-ever goal away to New York City.

The Miami captain received a nice pass from Redondo in the middle of the park and ran at the opposition. His quick pass found Jordi Alba, who had made his familiar run down the left flank.

His cross found Leo Campana to side-foot home and open the scoring, somewhat against the run of play, not that they cared. If you don’t score, you don’t win, and New York had been guilty of wasting some great openings.

They continued to look for a goal and create chances, but they either lacked the final ball or were defied by Callender, who made some good stops to thwart the New York front line.

However, there was nothing he could do when New York finally found the back of the net.

Just as they looked like holding on for the win, a late corner was their undoing. James Sands rose highest to meet the corner with a thumping header and a fine goal.

The final whistle blew seconds later, and there was a real feeling of despair amongst the Miami players, but it was no more than New York deserved. Coming into this match on a bad run, they lifted their game and made it hard for the visitors.

Next up, Miami host Charlotte at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

(Editor’s note:  Kai Kanzer is our photographer for New York City FC games. For more of his photos, please click on the link to his gallery.)