Inter Miami CF registered their first multi-goal game since Aug. 21, comfortably defeating Toronto FC 3-0 at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night to keep their slim Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoff hopes alive.
The victory snapped Miami's six-game losing streak, as they stay six points shy of a playoff position with only four games remaining. But Phil Neville's side is running out of time to grab the Eastern Conference's seventh-and-final postseason spot. Meanwhile, Toronto FC dropped their second consecutive match – and 17th game this season – after a run of five games unbeaten prior to the international break.
Inter Miami roared to a quick start thanks to a play Toronto FC goalkeeper Alex Bono will surely want back. In possession as the last player back, the 27-year-old's pass was picked off by Federico HiguaÃn and fired into an open net to make it 1-0 for the home side just 10 minutes in.
Before halftime, Miami – who entered Wednesday night's match having scored just one goal in their last six games – doubled their lead. A corner kick whipped in by Gonzalo HiguaÃn skipped all the way through to Christian Makoun, who took a touch before rifling a left-footed shot past Bono to make it 2-0. The goal was the center back's second of the season and both markers have come against Toronto FC.
The hosts added to their lead in the 61st minute. Another corner kick, this time taken by Federico HiguaÃn, found Lewis Morgan, and his header deflected off TFC defender Eriq Zavaleta and in for an own goal, making it 3-0 Miami and putting this match to bed.
The victory was Miami's third in as many games over Toronto FC this season, outscoring the Reds 7-1.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Inter Miami have had Toronto FC's number this season, and it showed early and often in this one. Right from the jump, the hosts were all over the Reds, getting out to an early lead and never looking back. The victory was an important one for Miami, ending a treacherous string of matches lately while also keeping their season alive. Toronto were officially eliminated from playoff contention last week, so for the visitors, this match was all about getting the kids game action – including a first career start for 17-year-old Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, who was one of the Reds' few bright spots.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Federico HiguaÃn's second goal of the season was gifted to him by TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono, setting the tone for a one-sided evening.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Federico HiguaÃn. The Argentine had an early goal called back, but the MLS veteran stayed persistent and opened the scoring a few minutes later before adding an assist on Miami's third of the night.
Up Next
- TOR: Saturday, Oct. 23 vs. CF Montréal | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+; TSN5, TVA Sports 2 in Canada)
- MIA: Saturday, Oct. 23 vs. FC Cincinnati | 7:00 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
