Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. each scored within a three-minute span in the second half to give Toronto FC a 2-1 road victory over Inter Miami.
The upset result was just Toronto FC’s second win in 10 (2-5-3) away matches this season, and their first-ever win in seven (1-5-1) trips to Miami.
Toronto (5-7-9, 24 points) is 2-0-2 in its last four matches.
Lionel Messi had the only goal for the Herons (11-4-6, 39 points), who remain in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami have won just once in their last seven matches in all competitions. The cold streak includes a four-match (0-2-2) winless stretch in regular-season play.
Both teams delivered a lot of choppy play during the scoreless first half. Luis Suarez had the best chance in the 19th minute, as the forward had plenty of space on the edge of the box but fired a shot wide.
The most notable event of the first half was an apparent injury to Miami’s Gonzalo Lujan, who left in the 26th minute. Sergio Reguilon also left the match with a potential injury in the 58th minute, as Noah Allen was substituted into the back line.
The sudden defensive change may have left the Herons disorganized, as Toronto scored only a minute after Reguilon left the field. Toronto FC’s attackers linked up on a good series of passes that was finished by Sargent’s well-placed left-footed shot from the edge of the box.
Sargent’s fourth goal of the season was quickly followed by Etienne’s third goal just three minutes later. A cross attempt to Daniel Salloi in front was deflected to Etienne in front, and the forward deposited the loose ball to increase Toronto’s lead.
Ian Fray made a tremendous goal-mouth clearance to deny Djordje Mihailovic in the 81st minute. Spared a 3-0 deficit, Miami’s uncharacteristically quiet attack finally delivered some quality a minute later.
Rodrigo De Paul sent a superb pass through two defenders that found Messi in the box, and the superstar calmly delivered his 14th goal of the season.
Toronto FC held steady against increased pressure from Inter Miami through the rest of regulation time and eight minutes of extra time. Miami’s lone shot on target during this period was a David Ayala attempt in stoppage time that was easily handled by goalkeeper Luka Gavran.
–Field Level Media
