DC United – Inter Miami summary: score, stats and goals | MLS

Inter Miami had substitute Luis Suarez to thank after a hard-fought road victory over DC United on Saturday.

The Herons were without Lionel Messi for the trip to the capital and started with both Suarez and Jordi Alba on the bench at Audi Field. Things got off to a bad start for Tata Martino’s side with a flurry of early chances for DC before Jared Stroud fired the hosts ahead. 

Miami drew level midway through the first half when Leonardo Campana pounced on a loose ball in the box and poked home from 12 yards.

The game was tied at the break and DC began the second half as the stronger of the two teams. Things changed, however, with the introduction of Luis Suarez on the hour-mark. The 37-year-old looks painfully immobile at times but he still knows where the back of the net is. 

He edged Miami ahead within ten minutes of entering the field, slotting home from close range after a good pass from Campana. Then, ten minutes later, it was Suarez who made the game safe for the Herons with an impudent chip over Alex Bono. 

Inter Miami have rare victory without Lionel Messi and they reiterate their credentials as genuine title contenders in MLS this season.