Connect with us

Miami, FL

No Messi, no party? 10-men Miami suffer worst loss this season

Published

on

No Messi, no party? 10-men Miami suffer worst loss this season


In a crushing 6-1 loss against FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami suffered their heaviest loss of the season.

With important players Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi unavailable, Miami had a tough test played in front of a sold-out 25,513 at TQL Stadium. Things worsened when Sergio Busquets was sent out in the 62nd minute, resulting in his side playing with 10 players.

But the game did not start disastrously for Tata Martino’s players. After Yuya Kubo opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 10th minute, Serhiy Kryvtsov managed to level the score in the 21st minute; providing a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Nevertheless, this optimism was fleeting as Cincinnati wasted no time stepping up their offensive game.

They have proved once and for all why they are a formidable opponent in MLS.

Advertisement

Cincinnati showcased their offensive prowess in the first half, scoring four goals and effectively sealing Miami’s fate early on. Luca Orellano ran riot as a forward, assisting twice and creating numerous opportunities.

Luciano Acosta, a player poised to repeat as MLS MVP, scored in the 36th minute and provided two assists. This includes one for Pavel Bucha’s strike just two minutes later. Yamil Asad added another goal in the third minute of extra time, making it 4-1 by halftime.

The relentless pressure from Cincinnati continued in the second half. Kubo scored his second goal in the 57th minute, and Gerardo Valenzuela added a sixth goal in the 72nd minute. The match marked a record for the Orange and Blue, which equaled the highest number of goals scored in a single game since joining MLS in 2019. The last time they scored six goals was against San Jose Earthquakes on September 10, 2022.

A tough result for Inter Miami.

A tough result for Inter Miami.

Cincinnati took over Miami on top of Eastern Conference

Inter Miami were significantly weakened without Messi and Suarez, who were on international duty at the Copa America. Additionally, Jordi Alba was suspended due to yellow-card accumulation. These absences left Miami vulnerable, a situation exploited ruthlessly by Cincinnati.

Advertisement

As the game progressed, Miami’s fortunes worsened after Sergio Busquets’ dismissal in the 62nd minute for dissent. The former Spain international received two yellow cards in quick succession.

First, it was for arguing a foul called on Leonardo Campana and then for continued protesting. This dismissal, only the fourth of his career, left Miami with ten men and compounded their defensive woes.

With this victory, FC Cincinnati not only overtook Inter Miami in the Supporters’ Shield race but also made a strong statement to the rest of Major League Soccer. Cincinnati improved their record to 15-4-3, amassing 48 points to Miami’s 47. This win positioned them as the top team in the regular-season standings, a title they hold from their triumph in 2023.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami coach Tata Martino reflected on the defeat, acknowledging the superiority of their opponents. “We had a period early in the season where we were vulnerable in back, we started to fix that. But this game we reverted defensively to how we played early in the season. Our opponent was better than us,” Martino stated. He also expressed hope that the team would improve with a full roster available in the final part of the season.

The Herons face a challenging period ahead with Messi likely to miss the MLS match against Toronto FC on July 18 due to his participation in the Copa America semi-finals. However, the superstar’s mid-season return could bolster Miami’s chances in their upcoming games, including a crucial match against Chicago Fire on July 21.

Advertisement

Photo credit: IMAGO / Newscom World

Loading…



Source link

Miami, FL

Miami-Dade barber says customer assaulted him with gun after dispute over haircut

Published

on

Miami-Dade barber says customer assaulted him with gun after dispute over haircut


MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — What should have been a routine Tuesday at a Miami-Dade barbershop quickly turned violent, according to the shop’s owner, Samuel Wilson.

Leer en español

Wilson, who owns Square Cutz in Perrine, said a longtime customer became upset during a haircut and began arguing with him about his hairline.

Video from inside the barbershop shows the dispute escalating.

Advertisement

The customer briefly left the shop. Moments later, the video shows him returning with a gun, pointing it at Wilson as two children watched nearby and another customer attempted to intervene.

“He wasn’t a man when he had that gun,” Wilson said. “He slapped me in the head with it, choked me out.”

Wilson said he recognized the man and had cut his hair “many times before.” He added that the customer was wearing a county uniform during the confrontation.

“I did not think he was going to come around here and come back,” Wilson said. “I thought we might have fisticuffs … but I didn’t think he was going to come back with a firearm. I told him, man, have a good day.”

Despite the attack, Wilson said he does not plan to leave the community where he opened his business five years ago.

Advertisement

“This is a safe place for anybody,” he said.

Wilson said he hopes to move forward, even as he continues to process what happened.

“I don’t hold no grudges,” he said. “I can’t say I can forgive him. But I hope the best for you, homie. Have a good day and have a good life.”

Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Miami, FL

One huge Miami Heat X-Factor, defending the Detroit Pistons and other keys

Published

on

One huge Miami Heat X-Factor, defending the Detroit Pistons and other keys


The match-up on Saturday night between the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons is more than just a homecoming game for one specific sharpshooter. The number one seed vs the number three seed in the Eastern Conference is quite the draw.

Duncan Robinson making his return to the building is a fun storyline as well, considering the Heat will be giving him a tribute video pregame.

The Heat will be trying to extend their winning streak to seven, yet it should be their biggest test to date.

Advertisement

So, let’s get into some keys for this matchup:

1. How will the rotation shake out now?

Advertisement

Nov 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts agains the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA Cup game at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Advertisement

Jaime Jaquez Jr’s questionable tag in this game is the one swing factor for game-plans shifting for Miami. Other than that, it’s pretty simple how the Heat need to treat this rotation. For one, many of the fans in favor of Kel’el Ware starting may be in for a treat tonight, as the positional size of the Pistons could cause problems with Heat going small. Aside from the starting lineup talk, staggering Norman Powell and Tyler Herro instead of a five man bench unit again is important. Running Powell with that second unit to allow him to find his offensive rhythm is a definite key. Will the Heat need Simone Fontecchio’s shooting? Can they play both Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith? A tough matchup like this will shine light on the guys Erik Spoelstra trusts most.

2. One X-Factor Heat player tonight.

Advertisement

Dec 7, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) celebrates with guard Tyler Herro (14) after Herro made a three-point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

There’s a real X-Factor in this match-up that I believe will be a big reason if the Heat do indeed extend their winning streak to seven. It’s not their two elite scorers in the back-court. It’s not their two-way big man captain. It’s not even their second year 7 footer who has been on a massive run. Actually, the guy to watch for is Andrew Wiggins. For one, he’s the guy to watch when it comes to evening out lineups across the game, just due to his off-ball fit in many spots. But in this match-up, his defense will absolutely be needed. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren in the front-court aside, Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham are not easy covers for small guards. Wiggins will be needed to stay out of foul trouble, and bother their lengthy perimeter guys much of the night.

Advertisement

3. What to watch for when defending the Pistons?

Mar 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) and center Bam Adebayo (13) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Pistons roster consists of constant paint threats that can hurt you in different ways. Duren around the rim off second chance opportunities or lobs. Thompson or Harris on short paint shots. Cunningham off normal dribble penetration. Yet with all that two point success, they currently rank 28th in three point attempts. Sometimes the Heat’s early clock offense can get them in trouble when taking too many twos, but the Pistons style doesn’t consist of jacking up three balls all night. But the area that will hurt is the free throw line. Detroit ranks third in free throw attempts a night, and it’s the simplest way to slow down Miami’s offense. Easier said than done, but Miami needs to prioritize containing in this one.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Miami, FL

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC: Three Key Battles That Could Decide MLS Eastern Conference Final

Published

on

Inter Miami vs. New York City FC: Three Key Battles That Could Decide MLS Eastern Conference Final


Inter Miami are in the form of their lives. They hope this continues when they welcome New York City FC to Chase Stadium on Saturday night for the Eastern Conference final, with a berth in the 2025 MLS Cup on the line. 

While Miami brings star power and holds home pitch advantage, they come up against a New York City side riding high after eliminating the Supporters’ Shield winners. And there are reasons for NYCFC to believe they can pull off another upset here. 

Sports Illustrated takes a look at three key battles that could define which team earns the honor of facing San Diego FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC in MLS Cup on Dec. 6 

Lionel Messi, Matt Freese

Lionel Messi (left) looks to get the better of Matt Freese (right) in the playoffs. / Jeff Dean/Getty Images, Adam Hunger/Getty Images

Lionel Messi has been on an absolute heater for Inter Miami all season and has taken things a step further in the playoffs. After a regular season that saw him score 29 goals and register 19 assists in 29 games, he now has six goals and six assists in just four playoff games. 

Advertisement

But, he hasn’t seen a goalkeeper like U.S. men’s national team backstop, Matt Freese. The 27-year-old has been in stellar form as well, posting five saves–including four outstanding stops–against the Philadelphia Union, to help NYCFC advance past the Supporters’ Shield champions. 

While Messi has shown his ability to score in nearly every way possible, the clear-cut opportunities he saw and created against FC Cincinnati and Nashville will be fewer against a stronger defensive team. The opportunities he does get will come up against a better goalie between the posts. 

If NYCFC pulls off the upset, Freese will have a big part to play in it. If he’s not on his game, well, Miami can put together its plans to beat San Diego or the Whitecaps in MLS Cup. 

Sergio Busquets

Sergio Busquets will battle in midfield against Kevin O’Toole. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kevin O’Toole has had quite a few weeks. He was called up to Ireland for the first time, making the bench as the Irish beat Portugal in a game Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off. Now, he’s clashing with Sergio Busquets in midfield, as well as Messi and the other stars in Miami. 

If anyone is playing with confidence, it’s him. Against Philadelphia, he shut down Danley Jean Jaques and recorded eight defensive contributions.

Advertisement

He will likely be paired with Aidan O’Neill (who served a one-match suspension against Philadelphia) and tasked with combating Busquets in central midfield, and working the ball away from the Spaniard and Rodrigo De Paul. Busquets, in particular, has been potent with his ability to slide passes through Nashville and FC Cincinnati’s midfield and clogging things up in that area of the pitch will be critical for NYCFC. 

Lionel Messi - MLS Cup

Lionel Messi was unable to help Inter Miami to a win in the 2025 Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders FC. / Rich Lam/Getty Images

Outside of the individual player level, the mentality of both teams is starkly different, with NYCFC on the road and Inter Miami facing a match of defining proportions. 

Led by the veteran poise of Maxi Moralez, New York City FC knows how to win playoff games on the road. In their run to the 2021 MLS Cup title, NYCFC played every game after the first round on the road, just as they would have to do should they make it all the way to the trophy this time around. 

Meanwhile, Miami has fallen short in the most defining games. So far through the playoffs, it has been about seeing off disaster in the wake of the 2024 first-round elimination against Atlanta United. 

They have been able to push the season through two rounds for the first time in club history, but now comes their first massive test–they would even get to lift the Eastern Conference trophy should they win here. 

Advertisement

Miami’s ability to win trophies doesn’t paint a pretty picture: A 2024 Leagues Cup final loss and a 2023 U.S. Open Cup loss hangs alongside their 2023 Leagues Cup title, the only knockout trophy Miami has captured to date.

On Saturday, one of those aspects has to fall. Will it be NYCFC’s away abilities, or Miami’s poor record in big games? 

READ THE LATEST MLS NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending