Minnesota United Triumphs Over Inter Miami 4-1
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In an impressive display, Minnesota United secured a 4-1 victory against Inter Miami on Saturday, showcasing strong performances from key players.
Match Highlights
- Bongokuhle Hlongwane opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a well-timed goal, marking his first score of the season.
- Anthony Markanich extended the lead with a header just before halftime, bringing his total to two goals in his last two matches.
- Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi responded early in the second half, netting a goal in the 48th minute.
- Recent goals from Minnesota included an own goal by Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt, followed by a strike from Robin Lod in the 70th minute, ensuring a solid win.
Game Progression
The match began with Hlongwane finding the net after executing a perfect run onto a through ball by Carlos Harvey, finishing with precision inside the box. This early advantage set the tone for Minnesota, who recently ended a three-game winless stretch with a prior victory over Austin.
Markanich’s goal came just before the end of the first half. Following a well-placed long throw-in from Michael Boxall, Nicolás Romero created a pivotal moment by flicking a header to Markanich, who promptly converted from close range. Notably, this assist marked the first for Romero, a standout player in his rookie MLS season.
Inter Miami’s Response
As the second half commenced, Inter Miami’s Messi, displaying his classic skill, managed to score, reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, the momentum shifted back quickly towards Minnesota when Weigandt inadvertently conceded an own goal in the 68th minute, further impacting Miami’s chances.
Minutes later, Lod capped the scoring with a one-touch finish following a swift pass from Tani Oluwaseyi, marking Lod’s first goal of the current season. This performance from Minnesota solidifies their place with a record of 6-2-4 as they aim for continued success.
Match Statistics
Following this match, Inter Miami’s record now stands at 6-2-3. The team had recently triumphed over the New York Red Bulls with a decisive 4-1 win, only to encounter a setback in Minnesota.
Previous Encounters
The two teams previously faced each other in June 2022, where Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline at home. This latest encounter showcased Minnesota’s evolution as a competitive force.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances, with Minnesota United finding renewed confidence and Inter Miami aiming to address their setbacks.
For more information, visit the official MLS website.