Inter Miami Squanders Golden Chances in Frustrating 1-1 Stalemate Against Toronto FC
Inter Miami CF secured a single point following a 1–1 stalemate away to Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon, ending their impressive four-match winning run and dropping crucial points in their pursuit of the Supporters' Shield
Following the tie, the Herons now have 56 points from 30 matches, but find themselves behind Vancouver Whitecaps FC on goal difference for the runner-up spot in the overall MLS standings. In the Eastern Conference standings, they maintained their third-place position at the final whistle.
Miami started aggressively in the opening stages but encountered excellent goalkeeping from Toronto, as USMNT goalkeeper Sean Johnson produced three crucial early saves, including a pair of close-range denials against Lionel Messi.
Despite Johnson and Toronto's resilient defending and competitive display against the Herons for most of the opening period, Miami managed to break the deadlock in first-half injury time. Tadeo Allende got past Toronto's Kosi Thompson at the far post to nod home a delivery from Jordi Alba.
The assist was Alba's 11th of the campaign and his third contribution in 2024, while also putting the away team ahead in their first match since Designated Player midfielder Sergio Busquets confirmed his retirement.
The Florida-based club couldn't maintain their advantage into the second period, struggling to match Toronto's possession-heavy approach after halftime. Javier Mascherano's squad was then caught napping defensively as an unmarked Đorđe Mihailović fired past Oscar Ustari to level the score in the 60th minute.
Toronto dominated the remainder of the contest, ultimately earning their seventh consecutive draw and sixth 1–1 outcome in their past seven fixtures. For Miami, earning only one point against a team already eliminated from MLS Cup playoff consideration will seem like a wasted chance.
Below are Inter Miami's player ratings from Saturday afternoon.
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Toronto FC (4-4-1-1)
*Player Ratings Provided by FotMob*
Players | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Oscar Ustari | 6.5 |
RB: Ian Fray | 7.0 |
CB: Maxi Falcón | 6.9 |
CB: Noah Allen | 7.1 |
LB: Jordi Alba | 8.1 |
RM: Tadeo Allende | 7.3 |
CM: Rodrigo De Paul | 6.3 |
CM: Sergio Busquets | 6.9 |
LM: Baltasar Rodríguez | 6.6 |
CAM: Lionel Messi | 8.0 |
ST: Luis Suárez | 6.4 |
SUB: Telasco Segovia (63' for Allende) | 6.4 |
SUB: Yannick Bright (71 for Busquets) | 6.1 |
SUB: Marcelo Weigandt (71' for Fray) | 6.4 |
Subs not used: Rocco Ríos Novo (GK), Gonzalo Luján, Ryan Sailor, Tomás Avilés, Santiago Morales, Fafà Picault.