Luis Suárez Shines as Inter Miami Defeats D.C. United
Even though Lionel Messi was not present for the game, Inter Miami supporters saw another outstanding player take the field. Recently signed to Major League Soccer with teammate Messi, Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez made an instant impression as a substitute, tallying two goals in only 23 minutes to help clinch a 3-1 victory over D.C. United at Audi Field.
When Suárez entered the game in the 62nd minute, he did not take long to score. Within ten minutes of the game, he scored his first goal. In the 85th minute, he completed a brace, which effectively ended Inter Miami’s victory.
Tata Martino, the coach of Inter Miami, lauded Suárez’s performance, saying that throughout his half-hour of play, he defined the game. Suárez’s fitness is crucial for the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup against Liga MX team Monterrey in early April, according to Martino.
Suárez’s ability to score goals was greatly expected following his standout campaign in the Brazilian league, where he scored 17 goals for Gremio and took home the Golden Ball as the best player. Martino gave his assessment of Suárez’s skills, noting his steady play in the weeks before he joined Inter Miami.
Suárez scored his first goal by finishing off a feed from Federico Redondo to Leo Campana, who crossed the ball for Suárez to score. Diego Gomez helped him score his second goal, which was a perfectly timed chip over the D.C. United goalkeeper.
Suárez boosted the players’ confidence and showed his influence on the team with his two goals. Thanks to Suárez’s efforts, Inter Miami defeated D.C. United 2-1, placing them in a strong position.
In seven games in all competitions since joining Major League Soccer, Suárez has five goals and five assists. For Inter Miami, particularly without Messi, his play has been essential.
Inter Miami shown tenacity and resolve, winning the game despite losing without Messi and starting Suárez and Alba on the bench.