Lionel Messi helped create both goals in Miami’s playoff-clinching victory over New York City FC.
German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul score first-half goals against New York City FC as Miami clinch at least a wild card berth.
Inter Miami secured their MLS playoff place with a 2-0 victory over New York City FC on Wednesday. Lionel Messi helped create both first-half goals as German Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul found the net.
The result guaranteed second-placed Miami at least a wild card berth, with five matches remaining. It also gave coach Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez his first consecutive victories since taking charge last month.
Inter Miami strike twice before half-time
Messi entered the match after scoring twice on Saturday, following his return from an emotional Argentina send-off. He again played a central role in Miami’s attack, starting the move for the 20th-minute opener.
After controlling the ball outside the penalty area, Messi passed to De Paul. The midfielder then found Suarez near the byline with a lofted diagonal ball.
Suarez sent a low delivery across goal, leaving Berterame with a straightforward finish. The goal ended the forward’s scoring drought, which had stretched back to May.
Miami doubled their advantage with the final kick of the first half after a quick counterattack. Berterame carried the ball beyond halfway before his mishit pass reached Messi on the right.
Messi drew three defenders towards him before using the outside of his left foot to release De Paul. The midfielder then fired his finish high to goalkeeper Matt Freese’s right.
St. Clair saves late penalty
Neither team scored after the interval, although Miami continued to threaten. Messi curled an effort over the bar from outside the penalty area.
As the clock reached 90 minutes, he played a short corner to De Paul. However, Freese denied the midfielder’s long-range effort with a diving save, pushing the ball onto the post.
New York City also had a late opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot. Ian Fray conceded the spot-kick after bringing down fellow substitute Talles Magno deep into stoppage time.
Dayne St. Clair preserved Miami’s lead by diving low to his right and turning the penalty away. His intervention secured a second successive clean sheet after Miami had gone 10 matches without one.
Gonzalez welcomes defensive progress
Gonzalez expressed satisfaction with the team’s gradual improvement, while acknowledging that more work remained. In particular, he praised their defensive organisation and their aggression in stopping potential counterattacks.
However, the coach felt his players sometimes moved the ball too slowly. The victory nevertheless strengthened Miami’s hold on second place and their position for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Eastern Conference leaders Nashville remained out of reach. Meanwhile, New York City’s difficult run continued, leaving them with just one victory in their last 11 MLS matches.
