In a thrilling encounter at Yankee Stadium, James Sands emerged as the hero for New York City FC, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami FC. The goal, a powerful strike from close range following a corner kick, ensured that NYCFC earned their second draw of the season against their formidable rivals.
The two teams had previously locked horns on March 30th, also resulting in a 1-1 stalemate. The draw, however, extended NYCFC’s winless streak to a worrisome nine matches (0-3-6), their last victory coming on July 3rd against CF Montreal. Despite the draw, New York City FC goalkeeper Matthew Freese played a crucial role, denying Miami a potential winning goal with a key save.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami, riding high on the arrival of Lionel Messi, continued their impressive run, stretching their unbeaten streak to seven MLS matches (5-0-2). They had last tasted defeat on July 6th, suffering a humiliating 6-1 loss to FC Cincinnati. The Herons were missing their star midfielder Sergio Busquets due to a personal matter, according to the Miami Herald. The midfielder’s Instagram post revealed that he recently got engaged to his longtime partner.
The match saw a thrilling second half with both sides trading blows. Inter Miami took the lead in the 75th minute thanks to a stunning combination involving Messi and Jordi Alba. Messi, playing in his third match since recovering from an injury sustained during the Copa America final, launched a surging run up the field, delivering a precise pass to Alba, who in turn, set up Campana for an easy finish. The goal marked Campana’s eighth of the season and his second in as many games, showcasing his impact as a substitute.
The first half was a closely contested affair with few clear-cut chances. NYCFC registered the sole shot on goal, but Messi came close to opening the scoring in the 5th minute with a powerful free-kick that sailed just wide of the goal. Luis Suarez also missed a golden opportunity for Inter Miami, with Taylor inadvertently blocking his shot.
Despite the draw, the match was a testament to the thrilling competition and the unpredictable nature of the MLS. While NYCFC will be disappointed to extend their winless run, they will be buoyed by the dramatic equalizer. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will be frustrated by the missed opportunity to extend their winning streak but will be eager to continue their momentum as they chase a top spot in the league.
