Inter Miami CF were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against D.C. United. Midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez secured the point for Miami at Audi Field with his first goal for the club.
Hosts D.C. United opened the match taking an early lead, with forward Jackson Hopkins scoring for D.C. United in the 13th minute. Miami goalkeeper Rios Novo had a key intervention in the 29th minute, with a vital save to deny an attempt from D.C.’s Hosei Kijima from the left end of the box.
Goalkeeper Ríos Novo had a key intervention in the 29th minute, with a vital save to deny an attempt from D.C.’s Hosei Kijima from the left end of the box.
Miami pushed for the equaliser but wasn’t able to find the finishing touch in the final third, and the match went into the half with the 1-0 lead for D.C., Inter Miami reports.
The second half saw the visitors make three changes early on in hopes of spurring a comeback, with Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul and Rodríguez coming on in place of Luján, Ruiz and Segovia, respectively.
The modifications paid off, with Inter Miami generating more danger in the following minutes. Allen nearly scored in the 63rd minute with a low finish to the right post that forced a diving save from D.C.’s goalkeeper, before second-half substitute Rodriguez found the equaliser in the 64th minute. The Argentine midfielder buried the ball at the top right corner with a spectacular first-time hit from outside the box following a corner kick delivery to record his first goal as an Inter Miami player.
Second-half substitute Luis Suarez had a good look for Inter Miami in the 75th minute, but his finish from close range was met by a save from the host’s keeper. The 1-1 scoreline ultimately remained unchanged for Inter Miami to claim a point on its visit to D.C. United.
Son scores first MLS goal in 1-1 draw at FC Dallas
The South Korean superstar and MLS record signing Son Heung-Min opened his Los Angeles FC account with an unstoppable direct free kick as the Black & Gold salvaged a 1-1 draw at FC Dallas on Sunday (IST).
One of the most talented and popular Asian players in football history, Son joined LAFC earlier this month for a record USD 26 million transfer fee after an iconic 10-year run with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
After drawing a late penalty to secure a debut draw at the Chicago Fire in Matchday 28, the Tottenham Hotspur legend continued to make waves, earning his first start and providing his first assist to secure a 2-0 win at the New England Revolution last Saturday. Son’s jaw-dropping first goal on Sunday was the cherry on top of a stellar opening MLS road trip, reports MLS.
LAFC’s unbeaten record since Son’s arrival has propelled the Black & Gold into a top-four spot in the Western Conference on 41 points, positioning them to secure home-field advantage in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
The team’s strong form and Son’s spectacular first goal only add to the anticipation for his home debut next weekend, a Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire clash with in-state rival San Diego FC (MLS Season Pass).
Son will make his home debut next weekend against in-state rival San Diego FC. “Now, we have a full week to recover and then prepare well for the important game,” said Son.