Inter Miami extends its unbeaten streak to 11 games with a victory over LAFC in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles, CA – It was a clear 70-degree evening as the Black and Gold hosted Inter Miami. The talk of the town all week had been Messi. The moment arrived, and the rock and roll Miami team was on full display. The atmosphere before the game was palpable, and the stadium was packed with fans. The lowest-priced ticket was around $700 to $800 before the ridiculous fees imposed by third-party resellers.
Photo Credit: Omar Alonzo with @Imdmedia
The majority of fans were seated even as player warm-ups began, a testament to the Messi effect. At the outset of the season, Miami was in last place. Since Messi’s arrival, the team has yet to lose in 11 games, going 8-3-0, including winning the Leagues Cup tournament.
Photo Credit: Andres Magallanes @eltrionline
As the match started, Miami looked to dominate possession, employing a 5-3-2 formation, while LAFC went with a 4-3-3 lineup. Tata Martino, Miami’s head coach, executed his game plan effectively. In the 14th minute, Miami’s Facundo Farias scored with a beautiful touch from the right side of the box. His shot on goal hit the bottom left post and found the back of the net, putting Miami ahead 1-0. Tomas Aviles provided the assist. LAFC had ten shots and three clear shots on goal but failed to convert. The teams went into halftime with a 1-0 score.
Photo Credit: Omar Alonzo @Imdmedia
The second half was underway, and LAFC quickly found themselves trailing 2-0. In the 51st minute, Messi delivered a lethal assist to Jordi Alba. Miami capitalized on their scoring opportunities. As the match progressed, LAFC’s midfielders appeared sloppy and committed careless turnovers. However, the Black and Gold eventually found their rhythm, dominating the game and producing accurate shots on goal. Miami’s goalkeeper had a stellar night, denying any goals until the 90th minute when Ryan Hollingshead scored a header, assisted by Carlos Vela from a corner kick. In the 97th minute, the game ended, and Miami remained unbeaten since Messi’s arrival. To secure a playoff spot, Miami needs to continue earning points as they currently sit in 14th place with a record of 7-4-14 and 25 points. LAFC dropped to 3rd place in the Western Conference with a record of 11-7-8, totaling 40 points, trailing behind St. Louis City SC and the formidable Seattle Sounders. Next up for LAFC is a match against the Portland Timbers on September 9th in Portland.
