MESSI-LESS MIAMI FALLS TO MONTREAL

INTER MIAMI

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Two late-second-half goals were not enough for Miami in a 3-2 loss to CF Montreal Sunday at Chase Stadium, marked by the absence of Lionel Messi from the pitch. 

A tight offsides call kept Jordi Alba’s first goal from counting in the 22’. A beautiful Robert Taylor shot hit crossbar in the 41’ to keep Miami scoreless in the first half. 

Alba scored a brilliant curving ball in the 80’ following a Leonardo Campana 71’ shot to give Miami its goals for the day. 

More chances for Miami came in the final minutes, but all missed their mark. 

Montreal scored early after missing a chance with Drake Callender off his line. A corner cross was headed in for a goal in the 13’. More scoring would come between Miami’s goals in the 75’ and 78’, their first coming from a free kick headed in past the keeper. 

Miami defense allowed Montreal’s Matias Coccaro through multiple times, with Callender often thrown for a loop as Miami defense would have to close out the ball. 

Late offsides calls in the second half prevented Miami from a lead, but it was their defense that cost them the game. 

They allowed Montreal’s Matias Coccaro through multiple times, with Callender often thrown for a loop as Miami defense would have to close out the ball. 

Miami failed to clear crosses from Montreal on multiple occasions, leading to a Montreal clinic in scoring that handed the Herons their first loss of the season. 

Tata Martino will need greater depth on the defensive end if he hopes to make a run for the MLS Cup. Today, Miami ran with heavy legs and slow reflexes. But there’s still time for the team to mature. 

Messi’s benching came from an apparent shin injury obtained during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Nashville SC match earlier this week. He is expected to play the second leg of the match Wednesday. 

Inter Miami resumes regular season at D.C. United on Saturday.