A stoppage-time strike from Leo Afonso propelled nine-man Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback triumph over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer action.
How the game unfolded
It was a nightmare of a start for the Herons on the road as they once again conceded first after a lapse in concentration in the backline, making things even more difficult as they were already without Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas with the trio preparing for Copa America.
Veteran defender Jakob Glesnes picked up a loose ball in the Union’s half unlocked the Miami defense with a perfect though-ball into Mikael Uhre’s path. Uhre made no mistake after racing past Tomas Aviles and Serhiy Kryvtsov to put the hosts up in the third minute.
Miami would battle back as the rest of the first half unfolded but they were unable to get on level terms with just two shots in the entire first half. A crucial block from Marcelo Weigandt denied Quinn Sullivan from a sure-fire goal from just a few yards out as the Union put the pressure on throughout the first 45.
Much like the first half, the second 45 started with a goal just minutes after the restart. After some patient buildup from the Herons down the left-hand side with Jordi Alba and Leo Campana, the ball eventually found Benjamin Cremaschi who would go on to set up Julian Gressel. Gressel — who was filling in at right-wing in the absence of Messi — took a touch before sending a powerful volleyed strike into the top corner to even things up.
The Herons continued to mount attack after attack from that point on and came close to taking the lead on a few ocassions. However, things got a little tricky when midfielder David Ruiz was shown a second yellow card after a rash and careless challenge on Leon Flach with just over 20 minutes to play.
Things then went from bad to worse for the visitors. Tomas Aviles — who was already sitting on a yellow card — ushered a loose ball out of play before kicking it away from a Philadelphia player who was about to take the ensuing throw-in. Referee Ismir Pekmic didn’t hesitate to show the young defender a second yellow card, and that meant Miami were to play the final five minutes plus stoppage time with nine players.
Just as all hope seemed lost for Miami, substitute Leo Afonso stepped up to score in the 94th minute to put Miami in front for the first time on the night. Afonso found himself one-on-one with Oliver Semmle after getting past Glesnes, and the young winger finished with ease to put the…
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