FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Chicago fire defeated Intermiami 5-3 on Tuesday night and endured a ferocious second half comeback try led by Louis Suarez, jumping out for an early lead with two goals.
The victory secured Chicago (15-6-11)’s first playoff berth since 2017, improving to eighth place in the Eastern Conference MLS standings.
Lionel Messi was scoreless in the second straight game for Intermiami, already earning a playoff spot, skating 16-8-7. The losses hurt Intermiami’s hopes to acquire a supporter’s shield. The Philadelphia Union will be able to secure a regular season title by beating New York City FC.
“This defeat is solely my fault. It was a strategy I chose, not a name (player),,” InterMiami head coach Javier Mascherano said after the game.
The fire seized the lead early as Dje D’Avilla opened the score with a header in the 11th minute and Jonathan Dean scored on a breakaway in the 31st minute.
Miami reduced the deficit to 2-1 when Thomas Aville scored on the 39th minute mark, but Chicago’s Romming Kouame recovered a two-goal advantage just before halftime.
Suarez pulled Inter Miami within one in goal in the 57th minute, and Uruguayan tied all three when he got an assist from Jordi Alba on the 74th.
Justin Reynolds tapped on the back post in the 80th minute, Chicago went back forward 4-3, with Brian Gutierrez adding his insurance target with a hard shot just outside the box on the 83rd.
The game was originally scheduled for August 30th, but was postponed when Integu played the League Cup final. Losing 3-0 to Seattle.
Miami made five changes to the lineup used in a 1-1 tie against Toronto on Saturday, including all defenders except Jordi Alba. Intermiami has stopped winning streak after winning three games MLS Link to Toronto.
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