Inter Miami CF extended their impressive unbeaten run in Major League Soccer (MLS) to ten games with a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Despite resting star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Inter Miami showcased their depth and determination.
Finnish winger Robert Taylor stepped up in the absence of Messi and Suarez.
In the 38th minute, he received a superb pass from Jordi Alba and cut inside to unleash a powerful right-footed shot, finding the far corner of the net.
This goal marked Taylor’s third in the MLS regular season.
Ecuadorean forward Leonardo Campana played a crucial role in Inter Miami’s second goal.
In the 54th minute, he led a counter-attack, allowing Taylor to provide a pinpoint pull-back pass. Campana confidently slotted the ball home, extending the lead to 2-0.
The Vancouver Whitecaps didn’t give up.
They reduced the deficit through a Ryan Gauld penalty in the 72nd minute after a foul by Tomas Aviles. Vancouver pressed for an equalizer, with Fafa Picault hitting the post and causing problems for Inter Miami’s defense.
The Whitecaps had sold out their 55,000-seat stadium in anticipation of seeing Lionel Messi play.
However, Inter Miami’s decision to rest Messi, Suarez, and midfielder Sergio Busquets raised objections from some fans.
