Inter Miami historic night earns them 3-1 win over Toronto FC

Inter Miami got right back to it with a resounding 3-1 win over Toronto FC on Saturday, August 21st at the DRV PNK Stadium.

We have been watching a different Inter Miami team over the passed seven games. It’s feeling like one that cares about the badge they wear on their jerseys and the fans that cheer them on in the stands. They came out today as a team with belief in the system they are running under manager Phil Neville and this team looks as good as it ever has here in South Florida.

Inter Miami were in top form throughout this game, but the first half was the best I have ever seen from the Herons. They barely put a foot wrong and controlled practically the entire 45 minutes. The entire team was playing as one unit as they were able to create multiple chances at goal with strong runs and precision passing. Something that has been rare to see at the DRV PNK Stadium.

Rodolfo Pizarro was the biggest reason why Miami were looking so dominant out there and is my choice for Man of the Match. His creativity with the ball and vision allow him to be the centerpiece of the attack. The opening goal of the game showed he has some magic in the box as well. Gonzalo Higuain made a smart pass to Pizarro in the box and as the joker measured his shot, he faked defender Luke Singh with a quick move to open up an easier look, which he scored with ease to make it 1-0 in the 15’.

The stadium was going crazy as the fans were witnessing some of the best attacking football they have ever watched from the Herons. The connections between Pizarro and Higuain have been looking exactly as we have all been hoping for from the beginning.

As the first half progressed, Toronto FC was able to get comfortable and started getting through the defensive pressure of Miami that was working well earlier on. This game was centimeters away from equalizing on multiple occasions, but the defense, goalkeeper Nick Marsman and a little help from the woodwork on a Yeferson Soteldo free kick were able to take care of business.

The momentum of the game was certainly shifting in Toronto’s favor and it felt like an equalizing goal was just around the corner. However, as has been the case over this strong stretch of play from the Herons, they keep applying pressure and rarely allow the opponent to take over the game.

The defensive pressure from star center back Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez started the counter and he quickly found Robbie Robinson making a run into the opposing half and delivered a beautiful outside the foot pass to lead Robinson into a perfect position to start the counter. Robinson runs into the wing with one defender to beat, former USA defender Omar Gonzalez. He fakes Gonzalez with a perfect hesitation and scores a beautiful left footed goal over goalkeeper Quentin Westberg to make it 2-0 in the 35’. Great sign to see Robinson use that left foot as it makes him much more dangerous.

It was incredible soccer to watch and the fans were getting a much deserved show in Fort Lauderdale. At the half, the Herons took a commanding 2-0 lead over Toronto FC and it was a much deserved lead as Miami looked like the much better team in the first 45 minutes.

The second half showed us much of the same as Gonzalez-Pirez once again delivers a perfect pass, this time to Pizarro, and the Mexican delivers a beautiful chip shot from just outside the box to give Inter Miami a 3-0 lead in the 48th minute. That was the second assist of the game for Gonzalez Pirez as he’s been displaying a level of playmaking from the center back position that you don’t see very often.

Toronto FC couldn’t put together any strong attacking chances as Inter Miamis tactics were incredible. However, there was one big error made as Kieran Gibbs misdirected what should have been an easy clearance into his own net to make it 3-1 in the 62’. It was a terrible mistake, but it did not get in the Herons way of continuing to dominate this game.

There was a bit of drama when substitutions were made as Brek Shea and Indiana Vassilev entered the game for Gibbs and Pizarro. The Joker was not happy with Neville for taking him out of the game when he had a chance to become the first player in Inter Miami history to record a hat trick. There were some heated conversations on the sideline between the two, but we can only hope it doesn’t mess with the chemistry this team has built of late.

The final 20 minutes of the game were pretty routine for Miami as they were able to waste time on the clock and get a few extra opportunities to score before the final whistle. Toronto FC had one solid opportunity to bring this game within one as Alejandro Pozuelo attempted a chip over Marsman, but it was quickly saved by the Dutch keeper.

This game marked a number of big accolades for the young club as they continue to build their way in this competitive MLS. They win a franchise record fourth straight victory at home, first ever back to back wins and first win by a margin of more than one goal.

While the scoring and attacking prowess will certainly take most of the attention in this game, the defense was suffocating in this one. Toronto FC had more possession, but were only able to manage two shots on target of their six shots. Plus, it was another dazzling performance from Gonzalez-Pirez as he continues to perform at a top level and will be vital for Miami keeping this form.

Next for Inter Miami they will be going on a two game road trip that starts with a matchup against rivals Orlando City on August 27th at 8:30PM EST in the Exploria Stadium.