Miami, FL.- Three things are certain in life: Death, Taxes, and South Florida sports are better than Canada.
Tonight (July 17) Inter-Miami CF faced off against Toronto FC in an MLS Eastern Conference clash. During tonight’s beautiful (and hot) match, it appeared to be Inter’s from the opening kick. Inter-Miami was once again without their superstar, Leonel Messi, who suffered an ankle injury during Argentina’s victorious Copa America Finals match. That would end up being Miami’s only loss, as star Luis Suarez made his return to the pitch for the first time since his Copa bout.
Throughout a very slow first half, Inter-Miami displayed elite poise and ball movement that played into their advantage, despite possessing the ball for less time than our cross continental foe. During the physical chess match, Inter’s elite goalie, Drake Callender showed off his impressive acrobatic abilities with a flying save. With his start in tonight’s match, Drake Callender appeared in his 100th club appearance.
As time wound down in the opening half, Inter-Miami cracked the stat sheet first as Diego Gomez placed a beautiful ball into the net. Entering halftime: Inter led Toronto 1-0.
During the first fifteen minutes of the second period, Inter-Miami extended their lead as Federico Redondo scored two goals (’53, ’59), placing a 3-0 deficit. Redondo’s second goal was a thing of beauty, as he punched in (actually head-butted in) a Julian Gressel penalty kick.
Julian Gressel asiste a Fede Redondo que marca su primer gol con la camiseta rosa 💗🖤🤩 pic.twitter.com/d5uBSEneh5
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 18, 2024
Following the third goal, the previously mentioned Luis Suarez made his return to the team, subbing in at the sixty-first minute. As both teams participated in a back and forth passing match, Toronto would eventually put points on the board with a Derrick Etienne goal.
The only notable actions of the following minutes included multiple missed goals and Robbie Taylor subbing into the game for his 100th club appearance. As the final whistle blew, the team swarmed Taylor and Callender, celebrating their momentous achievement with custom #100 jerseys.
Inter-Miami now climbs back atop the Eastern Conference standings, taking a two point lead over Cincinnatti. Inter will have a short week, hosting Chicago on Saturday, July 20. First kick is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. (EST).