Inter Miami returned to MLS action on Wednesday, July 22, pulling off a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Chicago Fire despite one of the league’s more embarrassing moments in recent memory.
Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo gifted the Fire an early lead in the most unfortunate fashion, completely whiffing on a routine back pass from defender Ian Fray in the 18th minute.
The ball rolled slowly but devastatingly into his own net, sending Inter Miami into an immediate hole just minutes into their return from a seven-week competitive break.
Robert Lewandowski was on hand to witness the chaos, making his highly anticipated Major League Soccer debut for the Chicago Fire on the same night.
The veteran Polish striker, regarded as one of the world’s premier forwards for nearly two decades, did not find the scoresheet himself but certainly provided an intimidating presence throughout the contest.
Many observers noted that Lewandowski’s proximity to the play may have contributed to the concentration lapse that led to Ríos Novo’s costly error in the opening stages.
Inter Miami were without their global superstar Lionel Messi, who is taking time off alongside Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul following their participation in the World Cup final against Spain on July 19.
Luis Suárez, Messi’s former FC Barcelona teammate, stepped up in his absence with a brace that helped keep Miami firmly in the contest after the calamitous opening setback.
Suárez’s first goal came from the penalty spot, before the Uruguayan striker added a nifty go-ahead effort in the second half to swing momentum decisively toward the home side.
However, it was 20-year-old midfielder Preston Plambeck who ultimately settled the contest, firing in the winner in the 87th minute to seal three crucial points for Inter Miami.
The result was an impressive show of squad depth from Inter Miami, demonstrating they remain a genuine force in the league even without their most important player on the field.
MLS returned to full action this week after a lengthy pause, with players across the league understandably showing signs of rust following seven weeks without competitive football.
The domestic league’s unpredictable nature was on full display throughout the evening, delivering the kind of drama and chaos that has become something of a trademark for the competition.
Inter Miami will be eager to build on the victory as the second half of their MLS season gets underway, though they will hope for cleaner performances from their goalkeeper going forward.
