Inter Miami 2-0 NYCFC: Suárez and Messi Set Up Berterame and De Paul Before the Break
Inter Miami beat New York City FC 2-0 at home on Wednesday night. Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul scored in the first half, with Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi providing the assists.
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First half: Miami take control
Mascherano started Messi, Suárez and Berterame up front, with De Paul and David Ayala behind them. In the 20th minute, Suárez set up Berterame, who finished to put Miami ahead. It was a welcome goal for a striker who has had to be patient in Miami colours.
NYCFC stayed in the game for the rest of the half, but Miami struck again right at the end. Messi picked out De Paul, who scored in the 45+5th minute to send the hosts up 2-0. With Suárez and Messi each creating a goal, the veteran pair showed how much influence they still have on this team.
Second half: Miami manage the game
NYCFC pushed for a way back, but Miami stayed compact, and Dayne St. Clair kept a clean sheet. Miami picked up two bookings, at 52 and 85 minutes, as they closed the game out.
By the numbers
Miami had 58% possession to NYCFC’s 42%. Shots were close, 11 to 12, and each side put four on target, so NYCFC created chances too. Miami were just more clinical and compact, with an extremely organised defence, and Casemiro enjoying his centre-back role.
What it means
This follows Miami’s 4-0 win over DC United last weekend, and it’s a good response after the run of draws and the loss at Columbus in September. They travel to Atlanta United on Sunday, with the visitors given a 51.5% chance of winning.
Where they Stay
Inter Miami stay in second position with 52 points from 29 games behind Nashville who are simply running away with the honours in the Eastern Conference. New York City FC find themselves in 10th position, just behind Cincinnati.
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