Inter Miami Falls Short of Second Seed After 2-2 Draw With Cincinnati
A late goal by substitute Riquelme Fillipi secured a point for Miami, but the result cedes ground to New England in the Eastern Conference race.
By Julia Novak ·
The race for the second seed in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference tightened on Wednesday night when Inter Miami failed to beat Cincinnati. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that complicates Miami’s standings despite their star-studded roster.
Inter Miami struck first in the 60th minute. Luis Suarez received a pass from Casemiro just inside the box. He swiveled and curled the ball into the far top corner, off the crossbar, to put Miami ahead. The goal ended a quiet first half in which Miami controlled possession but lacked the final touch to break the deadlock.
Cincinnati responded in the 80th minute. Kenji Mboma Dem beat several defenders with stepovers before curling a shot to the far post. He equalized the score, silencing the crowd at Nu Stadium.
Six minutes later, the visitors took the lead. Defender Samuel Gidi received a pass on the edge of the box and wrapped his left foot around the ball. The shot sailed past goalkeeper Dayne St Clair to put Cincinnati ahead 2-1.
Substitute Riquelme Fillipi restored parity for Miami. De Paul played a wide pass to the young Brazilian attacker. Fillipi cut back to the corner of the box and bent the ball through two defenders into the far side of the goal. The late strike ensured the spoils were shared.
The draw is a setback for Miami’s pursuit of the conference’s second seed. New England Revolution beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2 earlier, extending their lead. Miami now sits two points behind New England with two games remaining. They must either win or draw against New England on Sunday to keep their hopes alive. Cincinnati, meanwhile, remains on the cusp of automatic playoff spots but is currently headed for a wild card round.
Nashville SC holds the top spot in the East. The club clinched the Supporters’ Shield last weekend, a first in its history. Both Miami and Cincinnati have late-game chances to win the match, but neither could convert. Suarez blasted a shot at the goalkeeper, and Evander’s close-range effort was blocked as the referee waved away handball appeals.
