FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – New York Red Bulls were steam-rolled in the second half against Inter Miami, surrendering six goals on their way to a 6-2 loss at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The second half substitution of Matias Rojas, injected the Supporters Shield leaders with the dynamism they needed, slicing through the Red Bull defense and proving their dominance in the Eastern Conference. Luis Suarez added to the onslaught with a hat-trick on top of Messi’s five assists.
It was a complete tale of two halves with the Red Bulls dominating the offensive moments by intercepting passes and taking it to the team in pink. Much like their game at Red Bull Arena, Miami had a difficult time abandoning their strategy of playing out of the back. It led to multiple turnovers and dangerous moments. Red Bulls took the lead in the 30th minute when a shot on one such turnover hit the post and was converted by Dante Vanzeir. It was the Belgian striker’s second goal of the season with all looking strong for the away team.
Then came the substitution to start the second half. Matias Rojas make in for David Ruiz, signaling the single largest change in the game. Minutes into the half, Rojas blasted an effort past Red Bulls goalkeeper Carlos Coronel to equalize the scoreline. Just minutes later Luis Suarez connected with Lionel Messi to give Miami the permanent lead. From there the wheels fell off defensively for Red Bulls as Rojas scored again and Messi unleashed his passing ability around the pitch.
The most impressive showing came after the 70th minute when Suarez converted three chances, all of which provided by Messi in the 70th, 76th and 81st minute. Not only did he solidify his stake in the Golden Boot race but also leads the league in assists as well. It was a once in a lifetime performance from the Argentinian who put the team above the rest in MLS.
The loss puts Red Bulls in position to fall even further down the table should NYCFC win their game against Colorado tomorrow at Citi Field. It is a night in Miami that will either be the beginning of a fall to normalcy or a rallying point for the club to make major changes.
STARTING XI:
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Duncan, Reyes, Nealis, Tolkin, Amaya (70′ Manoel), Edelman, Carmona (82′ Donkor), Forsberg, Morgan, Vanzeir (82′ Gjengaar)
Inter Miami CF: Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Freire, Negri (84′ Allen), Gressel (66′ Bright), Busquets, Ruiz (46′ Rojas), Messi, Suarez (84′ Campana), Taylor (66′ Cremaschi)
SCORING SUMMARY:
30′ (New York Red Bulls) Dante Vanzeir (2) unassisted
48′ (Inter Miami) Matias Rojas (1) assisted by Lionel Messi
50′ (Inter Miami) Lionel Messi (10) assisted by Luis Suarez
62′ (Inter Miami) Matias Rojas (2) assisted by Lionel Messi
69′ (Inter Miami) Luis Suarez (8) assisted by Lionel Messi
75′ (Inter Miami) Luis Suarez (9) assisted by Lionel Messi
81′ (Inter Miami) Luis Suarez (10) assisted by Lionel Messi
90′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (3) PK
DISCIPLINE:
25′ (New York Red Bulls) John Tolkin – YELLOW CARD
38′ (New York Red Bulls) Kyle Duncan – YELLOW CARD
39′ (New York Red Bulls) Wiki Carmona – YELLOW CARD
57′ (Inter Miami) Tomas Aviles – YELLOW CARD
photo by Matt Kremkau