Inter Miami 3-1 Toronto FC: Redondo stars as Herons return to the summit

Inter Miami returned to the summit of the Eastern Conference following their 3-1 win over Toronto FC at the Chase Stadium.

Federico Redondo scored twice in the second half to add to Diego Gomez’s opener, with Derrick Etienne netting a late consolation for the visitors.

FC Cincinnati’s 1-0 loss to Chicago Fire ensured the Herons returned to top spot, bouncing back from their 6-1 defeat to their Queen City rivals last time out.

Lionel Messi, who is recovering from an ankle injury following Argentina’s Copa America success, watched on as his side almost fell behind only for Deandre Kerr to fluff his lines inside the area.

That opportunity would be capitalised on three minutes before the break, with Gomez firing the ball beyond Sean Johnson for the first real moment of magic in the contest.

Toronto continued to create chances, with Federico Bernardeschi almost providing an instant response but saw his curling effort saved brilliantly by Drake Callender.

Inter Miami would increase their advantage shortly after the interval, with Redondo heading in at the back post following Julian Gressel’s teasing delivery.

The Argentine would double his tally for the evening, and the season six minutes later, rounding off a superb team goal with a neat finish inside the area.

John Herdman’s side would get themselves on the scoresheet heading into the final 10 minutes with Etienne placing the ball into the far left corner.

But Inter Miami would hold on to secure a 15th triumph of the season, ahead of their final fixture before the Leagues Cup against Chicago Fire this weekend.

Another great performance in the books pic.twitter.com/ACUYJbwtJj

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 18, 2024