Inter Miami CF (21W-4L-8D, 71 points) defeated Toronto FC 0-1 on the road on Saturday afternoon, with a late winner from Royal Caribbean Icon of the Match Leonardo Campana securing the three points for the team. Notably, with the win Inter Miami became just the fourth club in league history to produce at least 70 points in a single MLS regular season and tied CF Montréal in 2022 for the most road wins in a single season in the post-shootout era.
The single-season MLS points record is now within sight for Inter Miami as it heads into its final 2024 regular season fixture. The current record for points in a single season was set by the New England Revolution in 2021 (73 points). With a game remaining and three points in play, Inter Miami has the opportunity to set a new record closing out the regular season with a win over the current record holders.
Inter Miami took the pitch for its first match after clinching the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with 10 changes to its starting XI. Óscar Ustari started in goal; Julian Gressel, Tomás Avilés, Sergii Kryvtsov, Noah Allen and Franco Negri made up a back line of five; Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz and Matías Rojas lined up in midfield; Campana and Robert Taylor led the team’s attack.
Notably, Ustari made his Inter Miami and MLS debut on the night, featuring in the starting lineup.
Ready to kick off 👊📺 #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/1ODGbQ0gty pic.twitter.com/Q2dpTDgUSu
The match featured an Inter Miami defensive unit that defended stoutly throughout. Ustari had a successful afternoon, leading the defensive line on his debut for the Club, and recording seven saves to keep a clean sheet.
It seemed as if the match would go the full 90 minutes scoreless until a brilliant strike from Campana in the third minute of stoppage time broke the deadlock at BMO Field. Following an inch-perfect cross from Suárez delivered from the left wing, the Ecuadorian striker delicately controlled the ball with a touch off his thigh, before burying it in the back of the net with a left-footed, volleyed strike. The goal was Campana’s eighth this regular season and ninth across all competitions this campaign; it was also his third in the team’s last five matches. The assist, meanwhile, was Suárez’s seventh this regular season.
Se juntaron los goleadores ✨ Increíble volea de Campana para darnos la ventaja 💥 pic.twitter.com/avXxs2pbWH
"I think both the back three and Óscar [Ustari] in goal provided a lot of calm and were very solid. In particular I believe Noah [Allen] was the best player on the field, but both Sergii [Kryvtsov] and Toto [Tomás Avilés] supported him very well, and Oscar in goal offered a lot of calm and solidity...I think that’s what contributed to keeping a clean sheet," said head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Next, Inter Miami will return to South Florida for its final 2024 regular season match on Decision Day, Saturday, Oct. 19. The team is set to host the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium at 6 p.m. ET with a chance to make history, with the MLS single-season points record on the line. Get your tickets HERE and join the celebration, as Inter Miami is set to present the historic Supporters’ Shield trophy to the fans during Fan Appreciation Night presented by Florida Blue. Read the complete details about Fan Appreciation Night presented by Florida Blue HERE.
Inter Miami's Road to the Supporters' Shield
Inter Miami’s recent success can be attributed to a number of factors, including the arrival of Lionel Messi. In addition to scoring goals, the Argentine forward has also been instrumental in raising the team’s profile both domestically and internationally.
Messi's impact on Inter Miami
The forward has become a symbol of Miami’s new era. His arrival helped Inter Miami make a major impact in MLS. Since joining the team, Messi has helped lead Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup trophy and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. His influence on the team has been significant. The club has been a force to be reckoned with since Messi joined. The former FC Barcelona star has helped Miami earn its place among the elite teams in MLS. While Miami had some difficulties before his arrival, Messi has elevated the team to a new level and is expected to continue to be a key factor in Inter Miami’s continued success.
Inter Miami's next challenge: The MLS Cup
Inter Miami's victory against Toronto FC signifies a shift in the team's momentum towards the MLS Cup. The next stage of the journey will see them facing other top teams, like the New England Revolution, who are still competing for a playoff spot. As the regular season draws to a close, the team is still in contention to break the MLS single-season point record. But the real challenge will be to build on this success and carry it over to the MLS Cup. The focus is on building on this strong foundation, to secure a place in the MLS Cup and compete for the ultimate prize.
A look ahead: The MLS Cup Playoffs
The road to the MLS Cup will not be easy, but Inter Miami is equipped with the talent and the winning mentality to make a strong run for the title. The team’s ability to secure the Supporters’ Shield is testament to its resilience and determination. This victory not only elevates the team's position in the league but also gives them the confidence to carry on through the playoffs. Fans are looking forward to seeing if the team will be able to carry this momentum into the playoffs and potentially claim the coveted MLS Cup.
The Final Whistle
The team's 2024 season has been a success, and Inter Miami's supporters are already excited about what lies ahead. This is just the beginning of a new era for Inter Miami.
Possession:
TOR - 43.5% MIA - 56.5%
Shots:
TOR - 15 MIA - 4
Saves:
TOR - 1 MIA - 7
Corners:
TOR - 6 MIA - 1
Fouls: CLB - 11 MIA - 5
