Two goals and a assist for the 23-year old FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vasquez powered Cincinnati past Inter Miami. Cincinnati now with back-to-back wins for the first time since June of 2021 and the win over Inter Miami being their first one in the history of the club. For Inter Miami, they continue their lackluster form with a third consecutive loss.
It didn’t take long for the hosts to get out in front as Vazquez was able to find the far post run of Ronald Matarrita who was able to take it on his first touch that saw the host go up 1-0 in the 18th minute. Then just 6 minutes later Matarrita returned the favor as his cross found the head of Vazquez who was able to get it over the hands of the Inter Miami Keeper Drake Callender who found himself in no mans land after failing to punch the cross away.
Inter Miami had a quick response though as in the 28th minute right back Deandre Yedlin won a penalty as Matarrita brought him down in the box. Gonzalo Higuian stepped up to take the spot kick and slotted it home to bring the visitors within one. The goal being Gonzalo’s first of the campaign as he has now played a part in the only two goals scored for Inter Miami this season as he assisted on the other.
The second half slowed in goals but not in action as Cincinnati continued their barrage on Drake Callender and the Inter Miami goal. Then in the 76th minute, Vazquez was through on goal until Inter Miami defender Damion Lowe made a clumsy slide tackle and took him down in the box. Up walked Luciano Acosta to take the penalty who after a slow run up missed the penalty wide, the miss would also be his last action in the game as he was subbed of directly after the miss.
Though Miami had brief moments of looking like they might equalize the game, the best chance being a Gregore shot after dribbling past a few defenders, a shot that was easily parried away though by Cincinnati keeper Alec Kann in the 80th minute.
In the 82nd minute, Cincinnati was able to finish off the game after a swift counter attack saw Matarrita find Vasquez again with a inch perfect cross to cap off a great attacking display by both men. The 3-1 score would remain true to end of the game.
With the win, FC Cincinnati moves into 8th in the Eastern Conference sporting back-to-back wins. They will look keep the momentum rolling as they will travel to the new kids on the block in the Eastern Conference in Charlotte FC. Charlotte’s last game was a 3-1 win over the Revolution with rookie Ben Bender being the star man so far with a goal and assist. Charlotte currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami get the international break to regroup and get their season back on track as they don’t play again until April 2nd when they host the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo will also get the benefit of the international break between their draw with the Rapids and the game against Inter Miami. Houston currently sits 8th in the Western Conference with their only win this season being against the Whitecaps.
Inter Miami
