Inter Miami vs Toronto ended in a comfortable victory for the hosts as they held their nerve and got the job done after a well-rounded performance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) on July 18.
Miami made a slow start to the contest and were willing to concede possession to Toronto as they looked to defend deep. The visitors were on the offensive more often than not and managed to create some decent chances as they looked to score early. Toronto attempted five first-half shots but just two of those were on target and were light work for Drake Callender.
The hosts faced a setback in terms of personnel as Serhiy Kryvtsov was taken off injured after 35 minutes but the half ended well for Inter Miami. Federico Redondo’s lofted pass found Diego Gomez in open space as he composed himself before rifling the ball into the net to give his team a one-goal cushion before the break.
Inter Miami were relentless at the start of the second period as they looked to make the most of their momentum. Julian Gressel set up Redondo for the team’s second goal just eight minutes after the restart as they led 2-0. Gomez then bagged an assist for himself six minutes later as Redondo rounded off an influential night on the pitch with his second goal of the game.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty provided a late assist for Derrick Etienne Junior to score a consolation goal from as Toronto dropped off in the second half. They had three attempts with two of those on target but could not score more goals and were defeated with ease in the end.
This win combined with FC Cincinnati’s defeat against Chicago means Inter Miami move to the top of the Eastern Conference with 50 points from 24 games. Having said that, let’s take a look at the player ratings from this game.
Inter Miami vs Toronto Player Ratings
Inter Miami
Drake Callender – 7/10
The skipper put in a decent performance in goal and made three saves throughout the contest. He also distributed the ball with 83% accuracy.
Ian Fray – 7/10
Fray had a decent game in defence as he won six of his 10 duels, making three tackles and one interception as well. He completed two dribbles and was also booked late in the game.
Tomas Aviles – 7/10
Aviles had a good game in defence as he won four duels, making five clearances, three tackles and two interceptions as well. He passed the ball with 97% accuracy, including five long balls.
Serhiy Kryvtsov – 6.5/10
Kryvtsov played just 35 minutes of the first half before he was forced off due to injury. He won two duels and made two clearances and one tackle.
Jordi Alba – 7/10
Alba had an eventful game on the left flank as he had 100 touches of the ball. He won two duels, making two tackles and one interception. Alba also played one key pass and three crosses as he ventured forward to attack.
Federico Redondo – 9.5/10
Redondo was the star in Inter Miami vs Toronto as he provided an assist for his team’s first goal and then scored a brace himself. He also won six duels and was booked in the second half.
Yannick Bright – 7/10
Bright had a decent game in midfield as he passed the ball with 91% accuracy and won seven duels. He also made four tackles and three clearances.
Matias Rojas – 6.5/10
Rojas had a subpar game compared to his teammates as he could not get involved much.
Julian Gressel – 7/10
Gressel had a good game on the right flank and ended his night with an assist. He also played two key passes and two crosses as he was proactive in creating chances.
Leonardo Campana – 6/10
Campana had a disappointing outing as he could not manage a single shot in 61 minutes despite being a striker. He also won just one duel as Toronto marked him out of the game.
Diego Gomez – 8/10
Gomez bagged the first goal and also assisted Inter Miami with its third goal. He played one key pass and also won five duels in a good performance.
SUBSTITUTES
Noah Allen – 6.5/10
Allen replaced Kryvtsov in the first half and had a decent game.
Luis Suarez – 6.5/10
Suarez replaced the misfiring Campana in the second half but could not make much of an impact himself.
David Ruiz – 6.5/10
Ruiz replaced Rojas late in the game and put in a decent shift.
Robert Taylor – 6.5/10
Taylor came on in place of Gomez late in the game and had a decent outing.
Leo Alfonso – 6/10
Alfonso was Martino’s final change late in the game but he failed to make much of an impact.
Toronto
Sean Johnson – 6/10
Johnson managed to make just two saves throughout the game and was unable to stop Miami’s barrage on goal.
Richie Laryea – 7/10
Laryea had an eventful outing as most of the hosts’ attacking play was down his side. He won nine duels and made two tackles and two interceptions. He also played one key pass and completed four dribbles.
Kevin Long – 6/10
Long won three duels and made three clearances but could not do much to keep Miami out.
Nicksoen Gomis – 6/10
Gomis won four duels and made two tackles and two clearances in a subpar outing.
Raoul Petretta – 6.5/10
Petretta won two duels and made one clearance, one interception and one tackle. He also played one key pass.
Federico Bernardeschi – 7.5/10
The Italian was smooth on the ball as he completed five successful dribbles and also won eight duels. He passed the ball with 83% accuracy, including one key pass and three long balls.
Jonathan Osorio – 6.5/10
Toronto’s skipper was unable to do much towards helping his team avoid defeat but passed the ball with 95% accuracy and won two duels.
Deybi Flores – 7/10
Flores passed the ball with 90% accuracy and also won five duels and made three interceptions as well.
Derrick Etienne Junior – 7/10
He scored Toronto’s only goal of the contest with little over 10 minutes left on the clock. Junior also played one key pass, completed two dribbles and won four duels.
Deandre Kerr – 6/10
Kerr failed to make an impact as he only attempted one shot which was off-target.
Lorenzo Insigne – 6.5/10
Insigne attempted just one shot that was on target but could not trouble the goalkeeper.
SUBSTITUTES
Matthew Longstaff – 6.5/10
He replaced Kerr in the second half and had a decent game.
Shane O’Neill – 6.5/10
O’Neill replaced Petretta late in the game and put in a good effort.
Kosi Thompson – 6.5/10
Thompson played well during his time on the pitch after coming on in the second half.
Prince-Osei Owusu – 6/10
He had six touches of the ball but gave it away thrice in a subpar performance.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty – 7/10
He assisted Toronto’s consolation goal late in the game.
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