Inter Miami have secured a place in the MLS playoffs after a 2-0 win over New York City FC on Wednesday. Lionel Messi set up a goal for Rodrigo De Paul, and German Berterame ended a long scoring drought with the other.
The result gave Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez his first back-to-back wins since he took charge as head coach last month. Second-placed Miami are now guaranteed at least a spot in the wild card round, with five games still to play.
“I’m leaving happy. Obviously, there’s a lot to improve, but we’re making progress little by little,” Gonzalez said.
Berterame and De Paul Find the Net Before Halftime
Messi was a constant threat after returning to his club side following his emotional farewell with Argentina last week. He had scored twice on Saturday and played a part in both first-half goals on Wednesday.
In the 20th minute, Messi trapped the ball just outside the penalty area and passed to De Paul. De Paul then found Suarez on the byline with a diagonal looping ball. Suarez rolled the ball flat across the face of the goal, leaving Berterame with a simple finish. It was his first goal since May.
De Paul doubled the lead on a quick counter-attack with the final kick of the first half. Berterame carried the ball across the halfway line and, somewhat fortunately, found Messi on his right with a mishit pass. Messi drew in three defenders before releasing De Paul with the outside of his left foot, and De Paul struck high to the keeper’s right.
Messi and Freese Shape a Tense Second Half
The second half was goalless. Messi sent a curling effort from just outside the box over the bar, and Miami continued to press for a third.
As the clock reached 90 minutes, Messi played a short corner to De Paul, who unleashed a shot from outside the box towards the far top corner. United States national team goalkeeper Matt Freese produced a superb diving save, tipping the ball onto the post.
New York City, who have won only one of their last 11 MLS games, still had a chance in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. Ian Fray brought down substitute Talles Magno, who had turned sharply away from goal and run into the defender’s trailing leg. Dayne St Clair, however, made a brilliant save, flinging himself low to his right to palm the ball around the bar.
Miami Record Second Straight Clean Sheet
The win was Inter Miami’s second consecutive clean sheet, having kept none in their previous 10 matches. Gonzalez praised his side’s defensive organisation.
“I really liked how we handled dropping back into defensive shape. We didn’t get caught out on the counter and were very aggressive, breaking up plays whenever a sudden transition from them looked likely,” Gonzalez said.
He acknowledged areas for improvement. “Perhaps our ball circulation was a bit too slow at times, but that’s just how the game played out.”
Nashville remain well clear at the top of the Eastern Conference this season. Even so, the victory strengthened Miami’s grip on second place and the home-field advantage that comes with it in the playoffs.
