Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Lionel Messi and Leonardo Campana Propel Inter Miami CF to Thrilling Comeback Victory Over FC Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, Ohio – August 23, 2022 – Following their recent triumph in the Inaugural Leagues Cup, Inter Miami CF showcased their resilience by defeating FC Cincinnati in a nail-biting penalty shootout with a final score of 5-4 after a captivating 3-3 draw.
This victory propels Inter Miami CF to the highly anticipated 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, witnessed by a sold-out crowd of 25,513 enthusiasts at TQL Stadium on a gripping Wednesday night.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Messi and Campana’s Dynamic Partnership
Despite trailing 2-0 beyond the hour mark, Inter Miami CF demonstrated their prowess as reigning World Cup champion Lionel Messi orchestrated a spectacular partnership with Leonardo Campana.
Their synergy led to two remarkable goals, forcing the match into extra time. The excitement reached its peak when 2019 Open Cup champion Josef Martínez scored in the 93rd minute, propelling the Herons into a 3-2 lead.
However, FC Cincinnati’s Yuya Kubo dashed Inter Miami’s hopes with a late equalizer in the 114th minute, resulting in a penalty shootout.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Dramatic Shootout Victory and Final Advancement
In the penalty shootout, Inter Miami CF’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, emerged as the hero by saving the crucial fifth-round attempt from Cincinnati native Nick Hagglund.
This stunning save paved the way for Benjamin Cremaschi to seal Inter Miami’s fate with a successful conversion. This triumph marks Inter Miami CF’s first-ever appearance in the U.S.
Open Cup Final, further solidifying their presence in the championship race of 2023.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Looking Ahead to the Final
With this remarkable victory, Inter Miami CF secures a place in the U.S. Open Cup Final scheduled for September 27.
The club will face the winner of the Houston Dynamo versus Real Salt Lake semifinal match.
As Inter Miami CF vies for their second championship title this year, the anticipation continues to build, showcasing the team’s dedication and determination.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Bravery Amidst Challenging Conditions
Despite scorching heat with a temperature index exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, both teams displayed remarkable determination throughout the first 15 minutes of the match.
FC Cincinnati seized the lead with a splendid goal from Lucho Acosta in the 18th minute, drawing inspiration from their home crowd.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Inter Miami’s Tenacious Response
Inter Miami CF, undeterred by the deficit, launched a spirited comeback. Lionel Messi’s set-piece prowess came to the forefront, delivering a precise free kick that Leonardo Campana expertly headed into the net in the 68th minute.
The Messi-Campana connection proved formidable once again as they secured the equalizer in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time, forcing the match into extra time.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Seizing the Moment in Extra Time by Inter Miami CF
In the early minutes of extra time, Inter Miami CF swiftly capitalized on a misplayed pass from FC Cincinnati’s defense.
This opportunity enabled Benjamin Cremaschi to set up Josef Martínez, who delivered a precise shot to give Miami a 3-2 lead.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: Cincinnati’s Resilience and Penalty Drama
FC Cincinnati’s determination shone through as they managed to secure an equalizer through substitutes in the 114th minute.
The match ultimately extended to a penalty shootout, showcasing intense drama. Drake Callender’s impressive save in the fifth round solidified Inter Miami CF’s triumph.
Inter Miami CF Secures Spot: A Resounding Victory and New Horizons
Inter Miami CF’s victory in this thrilling encounter serves as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering spirit.
With their place secured in the U.S. Open Cup Final, the team sets its sights on achieving a historic championship victory.
As the journey continues, Inter Miami CF remains poised to make its mark in the world of soccer.
Match Statistics
| Stat | Inter Miami CF | FC Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 3 |
| Shots | 17 | 16 |
| Shots on target | 7 | 5 |
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Passing accuracy | 80% | 75% |
| Fouls committed | 12 | 10 |
| Corners | 5 | 2 |
| Yellow cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 |
| Penalty shootout | 4-2 |
The match ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time, with Inter Miami winning 4-2 in the penalty shootout. Lionel Messi scored two goals for Inter Miami, while Luciano Acosta, Allan Cruz, and Brenner scored one goal each for FC Cincinnati.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the match statistics:
- Inter Miami had more possession of the ball (54%) and made more passes (432) than FC Cincinnati (358).
- Inter Miami also had more shots (17) and shots on target (7) than FC Cincinnati (16 and 5).
- However, FC Cincinnati was more clinical in front of goal, converting 50% of their shots on target (3 goals from 6 shots). Inter Miami only converted 42.8% of their shots on target (3 goals from 7 shots).
- Inter Miami committed more fouls (12) than FC Cincinnati (10).
- Both teams had two yellow cards each.
Overall, it was a close match between two evenly matched teams. Inter Miami ultimately won the match in the penalty shootout, but FC Cincinnati can be proud of their performance.
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