Fillipi’s Late Goal Rescues Miami in 2-2 Draw
Inter Miami drew 2-2 with FC Cincinnati in Miami on October 28, as Riquelme Fillipi scored in the 90th minute. The result left Miami third in the Eastern Conference with two regular-season matches remaining.
Luis Suárez put Miami ahead in the 61st minute, finishing after the hosts had increased their pressure following a scoreless first half. Lionel Messi, back in the starting lineup, came close to scoring but finished the match without a goal.
Cincinnati rallied late. Kenji Mboma Dem equalized in the 80th minute, then Samuel Gidi scored six minutes later on a counterattack to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Gidi’s goal was his first in Major League Soccer.
Fillipi answered in the 90th minute with his first MLS goal, striking from the left side of the penalty area to level the score. Cincinnati had a late chance to win when Evander shot from near the penalty spot, but Miami defender Ian Fray blocked it. The ensuing corner did not produce a goal before time expired.
After New England defeated the New York Red Bulls, Miami dropped to the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 position. New England has 58 points, two more than Miami, with two matches left for both teams. Miami visits New England on Sunday in a game that could help decide the second seed in the conference playoffs. Miami’s final regular-season match is at home against Charlotte on November 7.
Cincinnati lost an opportunity to get nearer to clinching a playoff place. The club needed a win in Miami and a Columbus loss to Dallas to clinch a berth on October 28.