Mihailovic purpose sends TFC to its seventh straight draw, 1-1 with Miami

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Djordje Mihailovic’s second-half purpose lifted Toronto FC to its seventh straight draw, a 1-1 tie with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in MLS play Saturday.

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Messi, coming as marketed, served as playmaker on Miami’s purpose and will have had a bushel of his personal, had it not been for Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

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Argentine winger Tadeo Allende scored in first-half stoppage time for Miami, which had pumped in 10 targets in its three earlier wins. But Mihailovic pulled Toronto occasion within the sixtieth minute

After Miami didn’t clear its penalty field, Richie Laryea acquired to a Jonathan Osorio go earlier than it went out and despatched the ball again throughout the purpose for an unmarked Mihailovic to faucet in for his tenth of the season.

The guests went forward in first-half stoppage time, with Messi discovering Jordi Alba by way of visitors. Alba’s excellent cross, simply over the top of defender Kosi Thompson, was headed residence by Allende.

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It was purpose No. 9 for Allende and assists No. 11 and No. 14 for Alba and Messi, respectively, on the season.

Miami (16-6-8) began all its massive weapons with Messi, Alba, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, who’re making a mixed US$36.7 million this season in accordance with the MLS Players Association.

Toronto (5-13-13) was coming off six consecutive attracts — at Philadelphia, Atlanta, New England and Columbus and residential to Columbus and Montreal. It had conceded simply 5 targets throughout that run.

Depending on the way you have a look at it, TFC is unbeaten in six video games (0-0-7) or winless in 9 (0-2-7).

TFC has not misplaced since July 26, a 2-0 setback at Charlotte FC. But it hasn’t gained since July 16, a 1-0 choice at San Diego FC.

Saturday’s sport drew an introduced crowd of 28,855 for the primary sellout of the season for TFC, which went into the sport ranked 14th within the league with a median attendance of 20,875.

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Messi’s star energy was in show within the stands on a pleasing 23 C afternoon at BMO Field.

The had been loads of pink Miami No. 10 shirts, in addition to blue-and-white Argentina and blue-and-garnet FC Barcelona jerseys. The guests had been greeted by cheers once they got here out for the pre-game warmup.

Messi waved to the group in-between drills, drawing extra applause. Once the sport began, it took a little bit greater than 5 minutes for the primary “Messi, Messi” chant.

Johnson made an amazing save to disclaim Messi’s right-footed shot within the twenty ninth minute off a feed from Busquets. And he denied the Miami star once more within the forty fourth after an errant clearance by Sigurd Rosted. There had been two extra stellar saves within the second half, together with a Messi free kick from the sting of the penalty field.

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Toronto got here into the sport 9 locations and 28 factors beneath Miami within the East.

Every Messi contact drew a response from the group. Hardly shifting when away from the ball, the 38-year-old Argentine can hit excessive gear rapidly when in possession and he boasts the imaginative and prescient and skill to ship a precision go.

Messi had scored 5 targets and added three assists in Miami’s three earlier wins. Miami moved into third place within the Eastern Conference and clinched a playoff spot with its 4-0 mid-week win at New York City FC.

Looking to retain the Supporters’ Shield (for greatest regular-season document) it gained final 12 months, Miami arrived north of the border 5 factors beneath league-leading Philadelphia with two video games in hand.

Miami additionally arrived with the league’s most potent offence with 64 targets, 24 greater than Toronto. But it stood twentieth on defence (with Toronto tied for sixth).

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Both groups had 5 photographs within the first half however Miami had a 4-1 edge in photographs in goal.

Toronto appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty within the nineteenth minute when Jose Cifuentes went down within the penalty field. Canadian referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere waved play on, with replays backing his choice.

Alonso Coello’s low shot compelled a diving one-handed save from Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari within the thirty fifth.

Messi went into weekend play main the Golden Boot race with 24 targets, forward of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (22 targets) and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge (21).

Messi had scored two or extra targets in eight of his final 12 league appearances. And along with his first-half help towards NYCFC, he turned the primary participant in league historical past to document not less than 35 purpose contributions in consecutive seasons.

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Toronto made only one change to its beginning lineup with Johnson returning in purpose after backup Luka Gavran’s two latest begins.

TFC was with out defenders Kevin Long, Henry Wingo, Zane Monlouis and Nicksoen Gomis. Forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, listed as questionable with a groin pressure, began on the bench after present process a pre-game health take a look at.

Saturday’s sport was the penultimate residence outing for TFC, which visits Chicago and Los Angeles FC earlier than closing out the season towards Orlando City on Oct. 18.

Toronto got here into the sport with a 2-8-1 regular-season document towards Miami, with its final residence victory over the Herons in March 2023. The groups drew 1-1 in Florida on April 6.

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