Inter Miami CF are one step away from lifting another trophy this season. The Herons came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat FC Cincinnati 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday night at TQL Stadium.
Lionel Messi, the star signing of Inter Miami, had a brilliant performance with two assists and a converted penalty. He set up both goals for Leonardo Campana, who scored with his head in the 68th and 90th minutes to level the score at 2-2.
In extra time, Josef Martinez put Inter Miami ahead with a goal in the 93rd minute, but Yuya Kubo equalized for FC Cincinnati in the 114th minute, sending the game to penalties.
Messi scored the first kick for Inter Miami, and both teams were perfect until the fifth round. Drake Callender, the goalkeeper of Inter Miami, saved Nick Hagglund’s attempt, and Benjamin Cremaschi sealed the win with his shot.
Inter Miami will face the winner of the other semifinal between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake in the final on Sept. 27. The Herons have already won the Leagues Cup this season, thanks to Messi’s heroics.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami in late July after leading Argentina to the World Cup title last year, has scored 10 goals in his first seven games with the club. He is expected to make his MLS debut on Saturday against New York Red Bulls.
FC Cincinnati, who are leading the MLS standings with 14 goals from Luciano Acosta, had taken a 1-0 lead in the first half with a clever flick from Acosta off a header from Aaron Boupendza. Brandon Vazquez doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Sources: MSN, CBS Sports, CBS News, Local10
