Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored second-half goals three minutes apart to lift Toronto FC to a 2-1 Major League Soccer victory over Inter Miami on Saturday night in Miami, according to the Associated Press. The win marks Toronto’s first-ever victory in Miami, improving their record to 5-7-9 on the season while handing Inter Miami an 11-4-6 record and dropping the hosts to 0-2-2 in August.
Breaking the Scoreless Deadlock in Miami
Neither team found the net through a tense opening 45 minutes until rookie Josh Sargent broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, according to the Associated Press. Dániel Sallói and Derrick Etienne Jr. notched assists on the play, marking Sargent’s fourth goal of the campaign. Sallói’s helper was his seventh of the season, while Etienne collected his third assist.
Just three minutes after setting up the opener, Etienne struck unassisted in the 62nd minute to double Toronto’s advantage to 2-0.
Messi Responds Too Late for Inter Miami
Inter Miami mounted a late response when Lionel Messi scored in the 82nd minute to cut Toronto’s lead to 2-1, according to the Associated Press. Rodrigo De Paul and Maximiliano Falcón provided the assists on the play. The strike marked Messi’s 14th goal of the season and the 64th of his career in 71 appearances.
Despite the late surge, Toronto’s defense and goalkeeper Luka Gavran held firm. Gavran finished the match with two saves, while Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair finished without a save, as reported by the Associated Press. The loss continues a difficult stretch for Miami, which sits at 0-2-2 for the month of August following an earlier 4-2 victory against Toronto back in May.
Did you know?
Inter Miami still leads the all-time series against Toronto FC with a 9-3-2 record, despite Toronto’s breakthrough victory on Saturday night, according to Associated Press records.
Upcoming Fixtures and Season Context
Both teams face quick turnarounds heading into next weekend’s slate of Major League Soccer matches. According to the Associated Press, Toronto FC will return home to host New York City FC on Saturday, while Inter Miami will stay put to host CF Montreal on the same day.
Toronto enters the upcoming fixture riding a strong run of form, sitting at 2-0-2 in their last four matches and 2-1-4 since July 1. Inter Miami looks to rebound from its August slump when Montreal visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored for Toronto FC against Inter Miami?
Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. scored the goals for Toronto FC in the 2-1 victory, according to the Associated Press.
When did Lionel Messi score his goal?
Lionel Messi scored in the 82nd minute, marking his 14th goal of the season, as reported by the Associated Press.
What are the upcoming matches for Toronto and Miami?
According to the Associated Press, Toronto FC hosts New York City FC on Saturday, and Inter Miami hosts CF Montreal on Saturday.
How many saves did the goalkeepers make?
Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran saved two shots, while Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair finished without a save, per Associated Press reports.
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