An injury-time penalty converted by Christian Makoun saw Inter Miami CF continue their terrific run of form and propel themselves past 10-man Toronto FC and into an Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoff spot with a 1-0 win at BMO Field on Tuesday night.
With a scoreless draw looming, one last run by Makoun in the fourth minute of stoppage time led to a penalty, as Toronto FC defender Chris Mavinga slid in and took down the Venezuelan defender, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Makoun stepped up and coolly sent Alex Bono the wrong way, giving Miami the dramatic winner.
A slow start to the year is well in the rearview for Phil Neville's side, who have now lost just once in their last 11 matches and shot up to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Toronto, meanwhile, extend their losing streak to six games and remain winless in their last nine outings.
TFC thought they had the potential winner in the 88th minute when Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman dove back to desperately stop a Jacob Shaffelburg rebound effort from crossing the line. With the replay angles inconclusive, Toronto were left frustrated that a goal was not awarded.
The home side started on a positive note, but things took a turn for the worse as Kemar Lawrence, starting at center back for the first time this season, was shown a red card in the 37th minute. The Jamaican international got caught on the wrong side of Robbie Robinson, who was played in behind intricately by former TFC midfielder Jay Chapman, and Lawrence pulled the American forward down as the last man.
Earlier in the first half, Toronto appeared to go up a man – and to the penalty spot – when Gregore was shown a red card in the 14th minute after intentionally pulling back Richie Laryea. However, Video Review was called into action and the referee determined that the play was offside prior to the foul, nullifying the red card shown to Inter Miami's midfielder.
And moments later, Phil Neville's side almost capitalized via a beautiful team move. A flurry of passes atop Toronto's box led to Rodolfo Pizarro delicately slipping through Lewis Morgan, but his effort from point-blank range was put just wide.
Miami have now kept four straight clean sheets and have won their last three games by a score of 1-0.
Goals
- 90'+5' – MIA – Christian Makoun | WATCH
Three things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Inter Miami are on fire, winning five out of their last six games and picking up points in 10 out of their last 11. Phil Neville's team deserves a ton of credit for climbing out of their early-season hole. For Toronto FC, it’s another heartbreaker. They’ve now lost six games in a row and find themselves cemented at the bottom of the overall league table.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: While Christian Makoun’s penalty decided this match, TFC thought they were leaving victorious when Jacob Shaffelburg’s effort was pawed away by Nick Marsman. Questions will be asked about whether or not that ball actually crossed the goal line.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: It has to be Christian Makoun. Not only did he win the penalty – that he eventually converted – but he led Miami with 96.8% passing accuracy.
Up Next
- TOR: Saturday, September 18 vs. Nashville SC | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- MIA: Friday, September 17 vs. New York Red Bulls | 7:00 pm ET (FS1, FOX Deportes)
