Inter Miami let a first-half lead slip and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC, a result that dealt a significant blow to their Supporters’ Shield ambitions. Javier Mascherano’s side looked tired as the match wore on, and though they left Canada with a point, the dropped opportunity highlighted their struggle to finish strong.
Tadeo Allende's header in the 45th minute was canceled out by a tidy tap in from Djordje Mihailovic in the 60th minute, and despite late efforts, Miami couldn't find a go-ahead goal. Lionel Messi came close after 30 minutes, cutting onto his right foot before drawing an acrobatic save out of Sean Johnson from the top of the box. It was otherwise a chaotic first half of soccer, both sides struggling to create and combine.
And then, it came alive. Johnson provided another big moment on the stroke of half time, saving low from Messi's whipped effort. Allende broke things open in stoppage time, finishing a sweeping Miami move with a close range header.
rather took their foot off the gas in the second half, and let the home side back into it. Accordingly, Toronto responded on the hour mark. Richie Laryea cut back for Mihailovic, who couldn't miss from six yards out. Miami pushed for a winner as the game wore on. Messi stung Johnson's palms from open play. He did so again from a free kick. But a winner never came, and Miami will head home with merely a point. And they didn't deserve any more.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from BMO Field…
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Oscar Ustari (6/10):
Didn't have much to do in the first half. Could do nothing about Toronto's equalizer.
Ian Fray (7/10):
Tucked into more of a center back role when Miami attacked. Held his side down.
Maxi Falcon (6/10):
Good in his 1v1s. Looks far more comfortable when games are slowed down a bit.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Calm on the ball. Covered the left side when Alba scampered forward. Lost his man on the Toronto goal, though.
Jordi Alba (7/10):
Handled his defensive duties effectively. Combined with Messi, as per usual. Assisted Miami's opener with a lovely cross.
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Tadeo Allende (7/10):
Took his goal well – even if it was put on a plate. Didn't have many touches otherwise.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
As classy as usual in his first game since announcing his plan to retire at the end of the season. Controlled spaces, won his tackles, and circulated the ball effectively. Hooked on 70 minutes to keep his legs intact.
Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):
An industrious midfield display. Up for the scrap, played forward, and gives this team an extra attacking dimension.
Baltasar Rodriguez (7/10):
Saw a shot well denied early on and was full of life. Covered a lot of ground defensively. Looked tired after an hour and was hooked.
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Lionel Messi (8/10):
Full of little moments of magic from the first minute. Set up his teammates, saw a string of strong efforts saved. Might've had a hat trick on another day.
Luis Suarez (5/10):
Tried to run a lot despite looking unable to for long stretches. Up to his usual antics of irritating defenders. Ineffective, all said.
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Telasco Segovia (6/10):
Replaced Rodriguez and linked up with the rest of the Miami attack well.
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):
Offered a bit more attacking thrust on the right.
Yannick Bright (6/10):
A really tidy cameo in a defensive midfield role.
Javier Mascherano (5/10):
Went with a more attacking side, and got a valuable first half goal. But won't be pleased with his team taking their foot off the gas. A disappointing draw.