So much for making the most of the excitement following the World Cup.
In their first MLS match post-World Cup, Inter Miami found themselves in a bit of a bind when they scored an own goal, allowing Chicago Fire to take an early lead of 1-0.
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi was absent from the match, but despite managing to come back and win 3-2, it was still a rather unfortunate moment for MLS in the wake of the World Cup.
About 18 minutes in, goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo received a pass from defender Ian Frey and seemed poised to neutralize Chicago’s attack.
However, in a baffling turn of events, Ríos Novo misfired his clearance attempt and didn’t even make contact with the ball. This mishap was reminiscent of another blunder in U.S. soccer history, where U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Matt Freeze famously swung and missed during a World Cup match against Belgium.
Freeze, also an MLS goalkeeper for NYFC, faced significant booing from the crowd on Wednesday.
Whether it was a timing issue or something else entirely remains unclear, but Chicago certainly celebrated their surprising opening goal.
The announcer captured the moment perfectly, exclaiming, “Oh my god! That’s amazing! How terrible!”
Describing this play as a disaster would be an understatement. Yet, Miami responded well, stringing together five consecutive wins.
After falling behind 1-0, Luis Suarez scored to level the game in the 27th minute, then added another nearly 25 minutes later to put Miami ahead.
Chicago managed to even the score at 2-2, but it was Preston Plambeck’s first MLS goal in the 87th minute that clinched the thrilling victory for Miami.
“I want to congratulate the entire team for working incredibly hard during this time,” Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos remarked post-match. “We have done the right thing and I would also like to congratulate the whole club. There are many people working behind the scenes to make this great happiness possible. It’s really moving because that’s what football is about: emotion, achievement, emotion.”
This match marked Rios Novo’s first appearance since March 14th, having been put into the starting lineup following Dane St. Clair’s underwhelming performances before the suspension.
