Luis Suarez scored twice as ten-man Inter Miami secured their spot in the Major League Soccer playoffs by defeating Cincinnati 2-0 at Chase Stadium on Saturday. The Uruguayan veteran netted within 32 seconds of kickoff and added another goal five minutes later, ensuring Miami's playoff berth despite the absence of injured star Lionel Messi.
Miami leads the Eastern Conference by eight points ahead of second-placed Cincinnati. Messi has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in Argentina's Copa America final win over Colombia on July 14. However, Miami anticipates his return before the regular season ends on October 19, with the playoffs starting the following week.
Cincinnati had previously thrashed Miami 6-1 on July 6, but Inter Miami was resolute in avenging that defeat. Yannick Bright assisted Marcelo Weigandt, who found Suarez for the opener. Suarez then extended the lead with a precise finish following a quick exchange with Matias Rojas, watched by Miami co-owner David Beckham and former NFL star Tom Brady.
Miami maintained control until defender Tomas Aviles received a second yellow card three minutes before halftime. Cincinnati introduced Luciano Acosta, the reigning league MVP, at the break, but despite his creative efforts, they suffered their fourth consecutive league loss.
Miami held onto their lead with disciplined play, highlighted by another strong performance from Italian midfielder Yannick Bright.
