Gonzalo Higuain came at just the right time as he won Inter Miami CF 1-0 in the 86th minute to spoil Toronto FC’s final home game of the season on Friday.
Higuain’s goal was the culmination of a very strong second half from Miami (13-13-6), who desperately needed a win after going into play to hold the last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference via a tiebreaker.
Miami controlled the ball throughout the game, finishing with 59 percent possession. However, Toronto (9-17-7) was able to keep up with the guests, especially in the first half.
TFC had the most good chances in the first 45 minutes, most of them coming from Federico Bernardeschi’s feet. The Italian star was the architect of several strong challenges from Toronto, but Miami’s defense surpassed even his best efforts.
Miami went into the second half with renewed energy, turning their game-long possession into serious threats against Toronto goaltender Quentin Westberg, who made two saves in the first half.
His strong game was an encouraging sign for the Reds despite the loss. TFC had conceded four goals in each of their last three competitions as of Friday night.
CLOCK | Inter Miami CF beats Toronto FC:
Westberg’s best performance came in the 73rd minute when Miami forward Ariel Lassiter came through the defense on a near-break, only to be stopped cold. Toronto defender Richie Laryea was able to clarify the connection attempt.
Although several quality scoring chances were created throughout the game, both sides struggled to convert them into goals.
After a tentative 10-minute opening, both sides began to open up as the game began to flow more smoothly. A Michael Bradley steal set up the game’s first major scoring chance, but a steadfast defense from Miami prevented Toronto from getting a good shot.
The action continued from there as the two sides started trading chances in the first half.
Both goalies had their moments of glory in the opening 45 minutes as Miami’s Drake Callender made several powerful saves, including one in the 36th minute against Bernardeschi. The Toronto forward pulled off a powerful shot that was deflected off a Miami defender and appeared to be the game’s first goal, but Callender made a diving save to keep the game scoreless.
TFC was able to threaten Callender with more chances after Higuain’s goal, but none of them turned into a game-changing goal.
The loss marks the end of Toronto’s home game schedule for 2022 as the team will miss the playoffs for the second straight year. TFC will play Philadelphia Union in their final game of the regular season on October 9th.