MLS Recap: Inter Miami Shines Against Houston with Messi Taking a Break

Lionel Messi (37) was given a rest, but Inter Miami had no issues overcoming the Houston Dynamo, sailing to a 4-1 victory in Major League Soccer on Sunday, thanks in part to two goals from Telasco Segovia.

Fans in Texas were left frustrated at not being able to witness the Argentine World Cup hero in action after coach Javier Mascherano opted to keep him in Florida following a hectic start to the season.

To make amends for Messi’s absence, Houston offered supporters complimentary tickets to another match this season, though unfortunately for the Dynamo, their defence was equally as accommodating.

Miami capitalised as Houston attempted to build from the back, with Benjamin Cremaschi intercepting the ball and setting up Luis Suarez, who expertly assisted Telasco Segovia, allowing the Venezuelan to score.

Houston responded positively, enjoying considerable possession, but they were caught out on the counter-attack in the 37th minute, with Tadeo Allende finishing the move with a powerful left-foot strike.

The third goal came just before half-time, when Yannick Bright snatched the ball in midfield and surged forward, passing it to Suarez who found Segovia. The striker managed to hold off a challenge from Obafemi Awodesu before slotting it into the corner of the net.

Following the interval, Houston found the net, but Ezequiel Ponce’s header was disallowed for offside.

In the 79th minute, Suarez extended the lead to 4-0, turning to elude his markers as he charged into the box before firing a fierce left-foot shot that beat Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell.

Nicolas Lodeiro’s goal in the 85th minute gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but a late setback for Miami saw defender Ian Fray shown a red card for a post-match incident.

Nevertheless, Miami’s performance indicated that they, having won last year’s Supporters Shield with a record-breaking regular season, should once again be a formidable presence in the Eastern Conference.

“We started really well in the first half, taking a 3-0 lead,” Suarez remarked to broadcaster Apple TV.

“We will give our all; last year’s playoff loss to Atlanta was heartbreaking, and this year we are determined to win MLS,” he added.

The reigning champions, Los Angeles Galaxy, faced their second consecutive defeat of the season, going down 2-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Sam Adekugbe gave the home team an early lead in the third minute, but Gabriel Pec equalised for the Galaxy in the 39th minute, capitalising on some hesitant defending from Vancouver.

However, with just three minutes remaining, Pedro Vite delivered a cross from the right, which Brian White connected with via a glancing header, sealing the three points for the Canadian side.