Leo Messi is currently savoring his well-deserved break following Argentina’s victory in the Copa America tournament. 🇦🇷
Inter Miami 3-1 Toronto FC: Player evaluations as Federico Redondo’s brace propels Herons to home victory
Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC in Major League Soccer action at Chase Stadium, thanks to a brace from Federico Redondo.
The hosts’ first half was subpar, as they failed to register a single shot until the conclusion of the half. It was evident that Miami was experiencing the adverse consequences of playing without both Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, as the former was indefinitely incapacitated and the latter was suspended.
Nevertheless, this all changed in the 42nd minute when the Herons scored on their second attempt of the evening. Diego Gomez received Federico Redondo’s precise over-the-top through ball with ease, and he promptly smashed it across the net to give Miami the lead.
A few moments later, Toronto threatened to level the playing field by employing Italian icon Federico Bernardeschi. Bernardeschi, Toronto’s No. 10, was afforded an abundance of space outside of Miami’s penalty area. He unleashed a strike that was on course for the far corner, but Drake Callender was able to intercept it with his glove, causing it to ricochet off the post and out for a corner kick.
Redondo scored his first goal as a Heron, and Miami would subsequently double their lead seven minutes into the second half. The 21-year-old provided the assist for the opening goal and scored the second goal of the evening with a powerful strike at the back post, with Julian Gressel claiming the credit.
At that time, Redondo had not yet completed his tallying. In the 59th minute, Gressel assisted Gomez in advancing down the left-hand side. The Paraguayan international then effortlessly passed the ball to Redondo, who scored to complete his brace. The host team, the Herons, maintained a commanding 3-0 lead.
Derrick Etienne Jr. was able to score for Toronto with approximately 10 minutes remaining in the regular time frame. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty assisted the former Atlanta United winger in scoring, and Etienne Jr. executed a flawless shot from close range. Although Callender was likely dismayed that he was unable to maintain the clean sheet, Miami would ultimately secure all three points by maintaining possession.
Miami regained the lead in the Supporters’ Shield standings following the victory, as FC Cincinnati suffered a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire. Despite Cincinnati’s 6-1 victory over Miami a few weeks ago, the Herons have since surpassed the Orange and Blue in terms of points, with 50 to Miami’s 48.