A Late Jordi Alba Equalizer Rescues a Point for Miami
Inter Miami 3 St. Louis City 3
Inter Miami had to find an equalizer three times against a determined St Louis team that made the home side work for a share of the spoils.
Miami were looking to get back to winning ways when they faced St Louis on Saturday evening, after a disappointing end to their unbeaten run in midweek at the hands of Atlanta.
But the home side were a goal down after fifteen minutes, and what a goal it was!
Lionel Messi and his side had been carved open just moments earlier as their defensive frailties continue to get exposed, but they didn’t heed the warning. St Louis had found acres of space in and around the Miami penalty area, but a Jordi Alba block was enough to thwart Joao Klauss.
Seconds later, they failed to clear a corner properly. A ball in from the St Lous right found Chris Durkan on the edge of the area in acres of space. With his back to the goal, he controlled it and turned in an instant before unleashing a fabulous volley that Drake Callender could hardly see as it flew past him and into the net.
It was a deserved lead for St Louis, who had the better of the opening encounters and were a constant headache for the Miami back line.
St Louis continued to have the better chances, but they failed to take advantage, and it was Inter that found the back of the net. Inevitably it started with Messi as he was prowling around the St Louis penalty area looking for an opening.
His movement upset the St Louis defense, that failed to track him back. His pass to Alba was returned perfectly, as the Argentine maestro stroked the ball into the net to make it one goal each.
Ten minutes later, it was almost a similar scenario as Alba played in Messi, but Roman Burki made a fantastic save to save his side again.
Just as Miami appeared to be looking more composed, St. Louis went ahead again, this time courtesy of former player Indiana Vassilev.
His run was well found, and his low shot beat Callender at his near post. It was another example of how easily the Miami defence can be cut open. This has been evident in recent games, and it’s something they need to work on improving.
Fortunately for The Herons, they have Messi, and it was that man again who started it all. His run had defenders backing off as he passed to Alba on the left before the full-back crossed for Luis Suarez at the back post to score from a tight angle.
It took a VAR check to confirm after St Louis claimed Suarez had committed a foul in the build up, but the goal stood, and Miami were level again.
The second half was more scrappy as both teams looked to tighten their back line, whilst trying to exploit the others.
Eduard Lowen had a free kick on the edge of the Miam box that gave Callender something to think about and led to a corner. Miami struggled to deal with the first corner but failed with the second. It was Suarez again on the score sheet, but this time in his own net as St Louis forced the mistake to take the lead again.
St Louis introduced Samuel Adeniran, and the big striker was an instant threat, creating problems for an already nervy Miami defense.
With five minutes remaining, it looked like Miami might face their second defeat in a week. However, a great run by Alba was seen and found by Julian Gressel with an excellent pass. The Spaniard’s first touch was sublime, and his finish was that of an accomplished striker.
It was no more than they deserved after repeatedly drawing level after conceding.
There was still time for some late chances for both sides, but a draw seemed like a fair result for two teams that put on a good display. Miami will be relieved to avoid a second loss in a few days, and the international break next weekend will give them time to rest and recuperate.