A 90th-minute goal from Brek Shea gave Inter Miami CF a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening at TQL Stadium, keeping the visitors within touching distance of the Eastern Conference's seventh and final playoff spot.
In a match of few quality chances, Miami missed a golden opportunity to take the lead during the first half. Indiana Vassilev breezed past his defender and drove a low cross across the box, catching Kenneth Vermeer out of position. The ball found Brek Shea wide open at the back post with the goal gaping just yards away, but his shot was blocked by teammate Lewis Morgan, who unfortunately slipped and denied Miami a certain goal.
Gonzalo HiguaÃn flashed a shot wide in the 54th minute, narrowly missing Vermeer’s left post, while Brenner’s header hit the side netting from a corner kick just minutes later.
Cincinnati thought they found a late winner in the 86th minute. A long shot from Yuya Kubo took a wicked deflection, catching goalie Nick Marsman going the wrong way. However, the effort whistled just past the post, denying the home side a much-needed three points.
The visitors then stole three points at the death. Nicolás Figal pinged a perfectly-weighted diagonal ball into the penalty area, finding Shea in stride. The veteran took a clean first touch before lifting a left-footed effort over the onrushing Vermeer, giving Miami their third road win of the year.
Goals
- 90' - MIA - Brek Shea | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: It looked set to be a frustrating match for Miami, who flubbed a golden opportunity in the first half. But Shea redeemed himself in memorable fashion at the death, showing impressive composure in a crucial moment to earn three points. Cincinnati, on the other hand, continue to struggle at home. They're yet to win at TQL Stadium since opening the soccer-specific venue on May 16, then a 3-2 loss against the same Inter Miami side. The Orange & Blue are firmly in 13th place (Eastern Conference) and are winless in 12 games.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Shea's 90th-minute goal was Miami's first shot on target and just the third between the two sides. His strike could have major implications for Miami, who are now four points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand on those around them.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Nicolás Figal didn't just set up Shea for the winner, but kept Brenner and Luciano Acosta at bay. It was a strong showing from the Argentine defender.
Next Up
- CIN: Saturday, September 11 vs. Toronto FC | 8:00 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- MIA: Saturday, September 11 vs. Columbus Crew SC | 8:00 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
