MLS Sunday Night Action
Inter Miami CF was forced to settle for a point Sunday night, playing San Diego FC to a 2-2 draw in MLS regular season action at Nu Stadium.
Captain Lionel Messi and striker Luis Suárez scored for Inter Miami, but San Diego answered both goals, including a late equalizer in the 82nd minute that denied the hosts a victory. The result leaves Miami with another point as it continues its push through the final stretch of the MLS regular season.
San Diego Strikes First, Messi Answers
San Diego opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Anders Dreyer found the back of the net, putting Inter Miami behind early on its home field.
The hosts responded in the 24th minute through their captain. Messi stepped over a free kick from the right side and curled a spectacular effort toward the far side of the goal, with the ball finding the top-left corner to level the match at 1-1.
The goal was another milestone in an impressive MLS campaign for the Argentine superstar, taking Messi’s league total to 20 goals. He continues to lead the race for the 2026 MLS Golden Boot. The 1-1 scoreline held through halftime despite both sides creating opportunities, setting up an increasingly competitive second half.
Suárez Puts Miami Ahead
Inter Miami came out of the second half looking determined to find the go-ahead goal. The hosts maintained pressure in the attacking third and repeatedly tested San Diego’s defense as the match progressed.
That pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute. Rodrigo De Paul delivered a precise threaded pass into space for Suárez down the right side of the penalty area. The veteran Uruguayan forward made no mistake, firing a first-time right-footed shot into the back of the net to give Miami a 2-1 advantage.
The goal was Suárez’s 13th of the regular season, while De Paul’s assist moved him to 12 assists in MLS play this season. With Miami seemingly in position to secure all three points, San Diego responded once again.
San Diego Finds Late Equalizer
The visitors pulled level in the 82nd minute, erasing Miami’s second lead of the night and setting up a tense finish at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami continued to push forward in search of a third goal during the closing minutes. The hosts generated several attacking opportunities but could not find the decisive finish.
San Diego nearly produced a dramatic winner in stoppage time, but Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair came through when his team needed him most. In the sixth minute of added time, St. Clair made a crucial intervention to deny San Diego’s Kieran Sargeant on the final play of the match, preserving the 2-2 draw and ensuring Miami would leave the night with a point.
Inter Miami Turns Attention to Columbus
The draw capped an entertaining night at Nu Stadium, with Messi and Suárez both finding the scoresheet but San Diego twice answering Miami’s goals.
Inter Miami will now return to the road for its next MLS regular-season match. The club will travel to Ohio to face the Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field next Sunday, Sept. 27, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Miami will look to turn its next opportunity into three points as the regular season continues to wind down.
Want to join the conversation?
Create an account or sign in to share your thoughts, vote,
and reply to other readers.
Showing 0 of 0 comments
Don't have an account?
Already have an account?