Inter Miami CF put on a sublime performance to thump Toronto FC 4-0 on Wednesday night, despite losing Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba to injuries early in the game. Robert Taylor was the star of the show with two goals and an assist, as Inter Miami stayed alive in the MLS playoff race.
Messi was forced off in the 37th minute with a muscle injury, while Alba had to be substituted in the 55th minute with a knock. However, Inter Miami did not let their injuries derail them, as they put on a dominant display in the second half to secure a comfortable victory.
Taylor opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 45+1st minute with a well-taken finish from a narrow-angle. He then doubled his lead in the 58th minute with a header from Alejandro Pozuelo’s cross.
Gonzalo Higuaín made it 3-0 in the 67th minute with a tap-in from Taylor’s pass, before Taylor completed his masterclass with a superb solo goal in the 75th minute.
Toronto FC had a few chances to score, but they were unable to beat Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. The closest they came was in the 73rd minute when Lorenzo Insigne hit the post with a free-kick.
Overall, it was a dominant performance from Inter Miami, who showed that they can still win games even without their two-star players. The victory was a crucial one in their push for a playoff berth, as they now sit just one point outside of the top seven in the Eastern Conference table.
Robert Taylor’s masterclass
Robert Taylor was the undoubted star of the show for Inter Miami, as he put on a masterclass performance with two goals and an assist. He was a constant threat to the Toronto FC defense, and he showed his class with his finishing and his ability to create chances for his teammates.
Taylor’s first goal was a well-taken finish from a narrow-angle after he had been played through by Alejandro Pozuelo. His second goal was a header from Pozuelo’s cross, and his third goal was a superb solo effort, where he dribbled past two Toronto FC defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Taylor’s performance was even more impressive considering that he came on as a substitute for Lionel Messi in the 37th minute. He showed that he is a valuable asset to Inter Miami, and he will be hoping to continue his good form in the coming weeks.
Inter Miami’s playoff push
The victory over Toronto FC was a crucial one for Inter Miami in their push for a playoff berth. They now sit just one point outside of the top seven in the Eastern Conference table, and they have two games in hand over the teams above them.
Inter Miami have been in good form in recent weeks, as they have won four of their last five games. They will be looking to continue their winning run in their next game against New York City FC on Saturday.
If Inter Miami can qualify for the playoffs, it will be a major achievement in their second season in MLS. They have a talented squad, and they will be hoping to make a deep run in the playoffs.
