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Inter Miami CF vs NYCFC
DRV PNK Stadium was the site of much nerves and anxiety but would be the loudest it has been all season at the end of the match. This was a vital match as the Herons came off a successful road trip with a win against San Jose and draw against Montreal to keep themselves in the playoff conversation. NYCFC had defeated Miami at Yankee Stadium as of recent but they would be missing a key player in Taty Castellanos who transferred to La Lisa side Girona.
The match started with fireworks through 10 minutes with chances coming from both sides with Santiago Rodriguez for New York and Robert Taylor for Miami. A beautiful set piece in the 34th minute would arrive with Maxi Moralez chipping a ball to the far post finding Maxime Chanot unmarked who flicked back with his head into the path Talles Magno who was also unmarked due to the play opening up and would drive the ball home for 1-0.
Last season this would've ended the match for Miami but the change has been noticed this season where the players give effort and don't give up. Miami would respond right back to the defending champions scoring a goal in the 39th minute to equalize 1-1. The electric youngster Bryce Duke leading the charge towards the box would find Alejandro Pozuelo just outside the 18 who would score a beautiful curler for his first Miami goal.
Phil Neville were fumed as a minute of extra time was given before the half but two minutes were played instead. Why does this matter your might ask? New York would find their second goal during that extra minute given. Thiago Andrade would take care of a loose ball in the box squaring it home to send the Pigeons into the half up 2-1.
More controversy would occur in the 63rd minute when both clubs had a player down just outside the right side of the 18 as New York had a poor attempt to kick the ball out. You always play to the referees whistle which the visitors failed to do as they all stopped moving which allowed the substitute Ariel Lassiter to get on the end of a ball from Jean Mota equalizing the match 2-2. A very close penalty decision in favor of NYCFC would arrive in the 74th minute with commentators believing it would be a penalty and potential card on Damion Lowe. It was decided no penalty by VAR and a play on by the referee.
Alfredo Morales would cost his team the match with a poor touch down the middle of the field being found by Pozuelo leaving him and Sean Johnson alone. The Spaniard made no mistake and buried it in the 83rd minute giving the home team the 3-2 lead.
Inter Miami CF earned themselves a massive +3 jumping into the final playoff spot (7th) in the Eastern Conference. They welcome Toronto FC at the weekend in Fort Lauderdale with nine matches remaining.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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