Messi-less Miami beat Chicago 2-1 to stretch MLS lead
 Posted on : Jul 22, 2024, 1:34PM   33 total views  Category : Sports
Jordi Alba of Inter Miami controls the ball against Richie Laryea of Toronto FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the United States.

MIAMI (AFP) – Jordi Alba’s goal in the 75th minute gave Inter Miami a 2-1 home victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of the MLS standings, despite the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi.

Inter’s 16th win in 25 games took them to 53 points, five clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati who lost 3-1 at New York Red Bulls.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Miami the lead in the sixth minute.

Saudi-born German defender Rafael Czichos equalised for the Fire in the 73rd minute before former Spain star Alba scored the winner two minutes later.

In New York, Cincinnati were stunned by two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan either side of defender Kyle Duncan’s strike as the Red Bulls led 3-0 after 59 minutes.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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