Inter Miami and Charlotte FC finished with a 2-2 draw this Wednesday. The result did not help the hosts, who were already out of playoff contention, while the visitors moved a step closer to the postseason. The upcoming Saturday match against the same foe would be away from home.
Fresh off South American qualifiers with Argentina, Leo Messi supported his teammates at DRV PNK Stadium after scoring twice against Peru on Tuesday. Jordi Alba returned from injury and played half an hour, with the aim of starting next Saturday.
Goals waited 45 minutes
Charlotte began with intent, trying to seize the lead early, but Inter Miami pressed with purpose and recovered the ball to probe the opponent’s defense. The first notable moment came in the 16th minute, when Kamal Miller conceded a penalty with a handball as he slid into the area. The referee consulted VAR and changed the decision, much to the home crowd’s relief.
Sergio Busquets committed a foul for dangerous play, creating a set piece for Charlotte. Ashley Westwood, the visiting captain, took the free kick but sent it high. As the game progressed, Charlotte found more space and began to threaten. Martino noted that the technical staff would have liked more involvement from Diego Gómez and Leo Campana, the two playmakers, during the first half.
The first clear chance for Inter Miami came in the 27th minute when Facundo Farías produced a clever move on the left, delivering a cross that found Gómez, who couldn’t convert. Noah Allen advanced into the final third, launching a shot that was saved by Croatia’s Kristijan Kahlina with a strong leg save.
Charlotte took the lead as the half neared its end. A cross from the left by Kerwin Vargas found Enzo Copetti, who nodded home to make it 1-0 just before the break.
As they headed to the locker room, Inter Miami surged forward and equalized. The ball found Tomás Avilés after a sequence of blocked attempts, and his cross reached Nicolás Stefanelli, who beat Kahlina with a precise finish just before halftime.
Charlotte is effective, Miami is persistent
Relief for Charlotte quickly faded as the home side found space in the left back area and allowed Nathan Byrne and Kalil Jozwiak to advance and deliver dangerous center plays. Vargas converted a finish at the far post to give Charlotte a 2-1 lead. Miami continued to push and Stefanelli leveled the score in the 54th minute, his shot finding the net after a sequence of sharp saves by Kahlina, who seemingly carried the night for his team with several crucial interventions. Campana then forced a save from Allen, keeping the pressure on the goalkeeper who was again stretched to the limit.
The changes brought by Inter Miami included the arrival of Jean Mota and the return of Jordi Alba, who had not played since a September 21 victory over Toronto. Martino’s side grew more cohesive, with Campana controlling a difficult ball in the box and guiding a half volley that skimmed the post. Swiderski tested Callender immediately after entering, and Busquets had a shot charged down during a scramble in front of the goal. The goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes kept his team in contention.
Persistent efforts finally yielded a reward as Campana fed a well-timed pass to Robbie Robinson, who delivered a measured cross and celebrated the equalizer with six minutes remaining in regulation. Inter Miami continued to press for a late winner, and Robinson added a third for his team in stoppage time, only for Kahlina to deny him again and secure a point for Charlotte.
Both teams are set to meet again this Saturday at Bank of America Stadium. Inter Miami has no remaining path to the playoffs, while Charlotte is still chasing a postseason berth, hoping for favorable results from nearby fixtures. The anticipated lineup for the rematch could feature Messi and Alba, with the hope of another competitive performance from both clubs.
score sheet
Inter Miami: Callender; Yedlin, Avilés, Miller, Allen; Gregore, Busquets, Gómez (Ruiz); Stefanelli (Robinson), Campana, Farías.
Charlotte FC: Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Priset, Lindsey; Westwood, Bronico; Jozwiak (Arfield), Vargas (Meram), Dejaegere (Świderski); Copetti.
Goals: 0-1, 44th minute Enzo Copetti. 1-1, 45th+6 Nicolás Stefanelli. 1-2, 52nd Kerwin Vargas. 2-2, 84th Robbie Robinson.
Judge: Lukas Szpala (United States). Carded Busquets (21), Gregore (49), Avilés (76) for Inter Miami and Bronico (69) for Charlotte. No players sent off.
Events: MLS regular season match played before about 9,000 spectators at DRV PNK Stadium.