Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Messi sits out as Miami keeps playoff push alive

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Monday, 25 September 2023 01:47

Duncan McGuire scored his ninth goal of the season midway through the second half to lift host Orlando City to a 1-1 draw against short-handed Inter Miami on Sunday night.

The goal helped Orlando remain unbeaten in five all-time meetings at home against Miami, after Orlando clinched its spot in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs midweek despite a loss at New York City FC.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

McGuire's leveler canceled out David Ruiz's first goal for Inter Miami, which came without Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Messi was held out because of a scar tissue problem and Alba because of muscle pain. Busquets, the third of the former Barcelona teammates, was rested with an eye toward the U.S. Open Cup final at home on Wednesday against the Houston Dynamo.

Orlando (14-7-9, 51 points) led Miami 13-9 in total shots and 6-5 in efforts on target, numbers that were less dominant than might have been expected given those absences.

Miami players celebrate after scoring a goal against Orlando City.

USA Today Sports


Miami (9-15-5, 32 points) remained in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with the result, but only five points behind New York City FC for the ninth and final playoff berth with two games in hand.

Both NYCFC (37 points) and 10th-place D.C. United (36 points) have played two more league matches than the Herons, who are hoping Messi and Alba will regain their health for the stretch run.

After Orlando had the better of the first half, Miami took the lead early in the second on an attack that began when Dixon Arroyo made an interception in midfield and found Leonardo Campana with a through ball.

Campana pushed the ball further forward to Josef Martinez, whose low shot from the left side of the penalty area forced goalkeeper Pedro Gallese into a diving stop.

Ruiz was first to the rebound and drove his finish into an open net before Gallese could regain his position.

McGuire's leveler also began with a turnover in midfield, before Dagur Thorhallsson, Martin Ojeda and Wilder Cartagena all connected.

Finally, Ojeda slipped a ball that deflected slightly off a Miami defender into the slicing run of McGuire, who slotted his low finish between Drake Callender's legs.

Read 114 times

Soccer

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

Man City face 'tough' season after late collapse

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPep Guardiola said Manchester City are in for a "tough" season afte...

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

Man City need more than Haaland as season sits on knife's edge

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMANCHESTER, England -- For 75 minutes on Tuesday night, Manchester...

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

10-man PSG drop to 26th in narrow loss to Bayern

Bayern Munich battled past 10-man Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Champions League thanks to Kim Min-...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

Giannis out vs. Heat due to pregame knee issue

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMIAMI -- Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for Tues...

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

Sources: Kings closing in on deal for Crowder

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFree-agent forward Jae Crowder is close to a deal with the Sacramen...

Baseball

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

Dodgers split $46M from record MLB playoff pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- A full postseason share for the World Series champion L...

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

Starter or reliever? Stay with the Phillies or go elsewhere? All-Star Jeff Hoffman opens up on free agency

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsJeff Hoffman is one of the most sought-after relievers in this offs...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated