Leaders Inter Miami have suffered a serious setback in the MLS: Suarez & Co. lost the top match at the New York Red Bulls 4-0 in the absence of Messi, with a former Miami attacking player making the difference.
For the second league game in a row without superstar Messi (hamstring injury), Miami were dealt a bitter blow. During the flying visit to the Big Apple, the weaknesses of the injury-ravaged defense were particularly exposed. The leading role was played by someone who had previously worn the Miami jersey for two years. But first things first.
Sixth in the Eastern Conference, the team of coach Sandro Schwarz, who took up his post on January 1, started the game. However, they showed early on that they wanted to stand up to the favorites, who started with the former Barcelona trio of Suarez, Busquets and Jordi Alba alongside Gressel.
The home side’s plan worked after just three minutes: Belgian Vanzeir set up Morgan, who shot in at the bottom left without much pressure from his opponent. He refrained from celebrating out of respect for his former club. It was a combination that would be used more often in this match. Shortly after the break, Vanzeir again had the eye for Morgan, who beat Miami keeper dos Santos for a second time (51′).
Anyone expecting a response from Miami was proved wrong: Schwarz’s team struck twice to decide the game. In the 66th minute, Morgan this time set up his assist man Vanzeir, who was lucky enough to set up Carmona – 3:0. Four minutes later, it was the “old” winning duo, as Vanzeir contributed his fourth (!) assist and Morgan only had to slide in his third goal (70′).
Back on the winning track with Messi?
Miami were even granted the consolation goal, which was supposedly scored by defender Allen, but the VAR intervened and recognized a foul by Leonardo Afonso in the run-up to the action (77′). The result was an emphatic 4:0 for the hosts, who moved up to third place
The Red Bulls will be looking to add to their tally on March 31 when they travel to Orlando City. Miami will be looking to get back to winning ways in a home game against New York City FC – and then again with Messi, who even had to miss out on international duty with Argentina?
