Inter Miami are now five points ahead of second-placed FC Cincinnati in MLS’s Eastern Conference.
Jordi Alba’s 75th-minute goal secured a 2-1 home win for Inter Miami over Chicago Fire on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the MLS standings despite Lionel Messi’s injury-enforced absence. This marks Inter Miami’s 16th win in 25 games, bringing their total to 53 points, five points ahead of FC Cincinnati, who lost 3-1 to the New York Red Bulls. Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas put Miami ahead in the sixth minute, with Saudi-born German defender Rafael Czichos equalizing for Chicago in the 73rd minute before Alba’s decisive goal two minutes later.
In New York, Cincinnati was stunned by two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan and a strike by defender Kyle Duncan, giving the Red Bulls a 3-0 lead by the 59th minute. Corey Baird scored a consolation goal for Cincinnati in the 67th minute.
Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes, leading the Union to a 3-0 victory over Nashville and keeping them one point behind Atlanta for the last East playoff spot.
Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen netted twice in the 60th and 77th minutes, helping Atlanta United come from behind to beat Columbus 2-1 at home.
Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea’s 38th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for Toronto at Montreal.
