On October 5, 2024, Toronto FC hosted Inter Miami CF at BMO Field in a closely contested Major League Soccer (MLS) match. The game concluded with Inter Miami securing a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal by Leonardo Campana.
Match Overview
The match remained goalless for the majority of the 90 minutes, with both teams exhibiting strong defensive performances. Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, made his debut and was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet, recording seven saves throughout the match.
The decisive moment arrived in the third minute of stoppage time. Luis Suárez, who had been substituted into the match, delivered a precise cross from the left wing. Campana skillfully controlled the ball with his thigh before executing a left-footed volley into the net, securing the victory for Inter Miami. This goal marked Campana’s eighth of the regular season and his third in the team’s last five matches.
Lineups
Toronto FC (3-4-3 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Sean Johnson
Defenders: Shane O’Neill, Sigurd Rosted, Naim Gomis
Midfielders: Richie Laryea, Alonso Coello, Matthew Longstaff, Kobe Franklin
Forwards: Jonathan Osorio (Captain), Derrick Etienne, Deandre Kerr
Substitutions:
45th Minute: Prince Owusu replaced Deandre Kerr
62nd Minute: Raoul Petretta replaced Naim Gomis; Hector Wingo replaced Shane O’Neill
72nd Minute: Tobi Spicer replaced Hector Wingo
80th Minute: Brandon Servania replaced Matthew Longstaff; Lorenzo Insigne replaced Derrick Etienne
Inter Miami CF (5-3-2 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Óscar Ustari
Defenders: Julian Gressel, Tomás Avilés, Sergii Kryvtsov, Noah Allen, Franco Negri
Midfielders: Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, Matías Rojas
Forwards: Leonardo Campana (Captain), Robert Taylor
Substitutions:
61st Minute: Sergio Busquets replaced David Ruiz; Lionel Messi replaced Robert Taylor
71st Minute: Luis Suárez replaced Benjamin Cremaschi; Yaser Bright replaced Matías Rojas
80th Minute: David Gómez replaced Julian Gressel
Tactical Analysis
Toronto FC employed a 3-4-3 formation, aiming to leverage width through wing-backs Richie Laryea and Kobe Franklin. Despite maintaining a solid defensive structure, they struggled to penetrate Inter Miami’s defense, managing limited shots on target.
Inter Miami’s 5-3-2 setup provided defensive solidity, with wing-backs Gressel and Negri contributing both defensively and offensively. The introduction of high-profile substitutes, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, in the second half added attacking impetus, culminating in the late goal.
Post-Match Implications
This victory reinforced Inter Miami’s position at the top of the MLS standings, bringing them closer to setting a new single-season points record. With one match remaining, they have the opportunity to surpass the record set by the New England Revolution in 2021.
Toronto FC, despite a valiant effort, remained in the lower half of the standings, facing challenges in both defense and attack that they will need to address in future matches.
FAQs
What were the starting lineups for Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF?
According to Sky Sports, the starting lineups were as follows:
Toronto FC (3-4-2-1 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Sean Johnson
Defenders: Shane O’Neill, Sigurd Rosted, Naim Gomis
Midfielders: Richie Laryea, Alonso Coello, Matthew Longstaff, Kobe Franklin
Forwards: Jonathan Osorio (Captain), Derrick Etienne, Deandre Kerr
Inter Miami CF (5-3-2 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Óscar Ustari
Defenders: Julian Gressel, Tomás Avilés, Sergii Kryvtsov, Noah Allen, Franco Negri
Midfielders: Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, Matías Rojas
Forwards: Leonardo Campana (Captain), Robert Taylor
Were there any notable absences or surprises in the starting lineups?
Yes, there were several notable decisions:
Inter Miami CF: High-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets were not included in the starting XI. This strategic choice was highlighted by AS USA, noting the absence of these stars from the initial lineup.
Toronto FC: The lineup featured a mix of regular starters and rotational players, with Deandre Kerr leading the attack.
What substitutions were made during the match?
Both teams utilized their substitution options to influence the game’s dynamics:
Toronto FC:
45th Minute: Prince Owusu replaced Deandre Kerr.
62nd Minute: Raoul Petretta and Hector Wingo came on for Naim Gomis and Shane O’Neill, respectively.
72nd Minute: Tobi Spicer replaced Hector Wingo.
80th Minute: Brandon Servania and Lorenzo Insigne were introduced for Matthew Longstaff and Derrick Etienne.
Inter Miami CF:
61st Minute: Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi replaced David Ruiz and Robert Taylor.
71st Minute: Luis Suárez and Yaser Bright came on for Benjamin Cremaschi and Matías Rojas.
80th Minute: David Gómez substituted Julian Gressel.
How did the substitutions impact the match?
The substitutions, particularly by Inter Miami CF, had a significant impact:
Inter Miami CF: The introduction of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez added creativity and attacking threat. In stoppage time, Suárez provided a precise cross that Leonardo Campana converted, securing a 1-0 victory for Inter Miami.
Toronto FC: Despite making multiple substitutions to inject energy and offensive options, the team was unable to break through Inter Miami’s defense.
In Summary
The match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF was a tactical battle, with both teams making strategic lineup choices and substitutions. Inter Miami’s decision to introduce star players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the second half proved decisive, culminating in a late goal that secured their victory. Toronto FC’s efforts, including multiple substitutions to alter the game’s dynamics, were commendable but ultimately fell short. This encounter highlights the importance of strategic depth, the impact of high-caliber players, and the tactical decisions that can influence the outcome of closely contested matches in Major League Soccer.
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