Eliminated from the Leagues Cup: Inter Miami 4-3 Toronto FC

In this Round of 16 match of the Leagues Cup, Toronto FC faced Inter Miami in an extremely thrilling game. Toronto FC entered the match with high motivation after finishing undefeated in the group stage, but they knew they were up against a tough opponent, making this game crucial for their season.

Unfortunately, Toronto FC did not advance to the next stage of the Leagues Cup due to a series of unfortunate events and poor refereeing.

READ MORE: How Toronto FC’s Injury Absences are Progressing

A Thrilling but Challenging Match

In the first 45 minutes, Toronto FC fielded their best lineup, with Henry Wingo making his first start for the team. However, just 3 minutes into the game, Matías Rojas scored for Inter Miami with an assist from Jordi Alba. A few minutes later, Diego Gómez scored another goal for Inter Miami, also assisted by Jordi Alba. All this happened within just 11 minutes.

Toronto FC managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the 15th minute with a penalty goal from Lorenzo Insigne, bringing hope to the visitors. However, Federico Bernardeschi had to leave the field injured shortly after, with Prince Owusu replacing him. This was a significant blow for Toronto FC.

Just minutes after the injury, Luis Suárez scored for Inter Miami, making it 3-1, with Jordi Alba contributing his third assist in just 20 minutes. In the 27th minute, a crucial foul led to the expulsion of Inter Miami’s central defender, David Martínez, and Toronto FC was awarded a penalty which Lorenzo Insigne converted to make it 3-2. Inter Miami would begin the second half with one player less.

A Second Half Where the Game Slipped Away for TFC

In the second half, the game seemed somewhat unstable, but Toronto FC eventually gained control of the ball. Despite this, Matías Rojas scored his second goal of the match in the 59th minute with another assist from Jordi Alba, making it 4-2 and seemingly sealing the game. However, a play in the 79th minute gave Toronto FC a glimmer of hope as Noah Allen scored an own goal, making it 4-3. Sadly for John Herdman’s team, the match ended with this score, resulting in their elimination from the Leagues Cup.

Toronto FC now faces a period of rest and recovery before resuming MLS action on August 24 against Houston Dynamo. The team hopes to enter the MLS playoffs but will need to rest well and prepare thoroughly after this elimination, which was marred by injuries, questionable plays, and poor refereeing. Inter Miami should have received a red card, but the poor officiating contributed to Toronto FC's elimination, ending their Leagues Cup dream.

The silver lining for Toronto FC is the extended break they now have to focus on the MLS.