Major League Soccer
Inter Miami Stung by Late Sargent Strike as Toronto FC Win at Nu Stadium
Toronto FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Miami with two second-half goals, including a decisive strike from J. Sargent in the 59th minute.
Inter Miami dropped points at home after a spirited comeback attempt fell short against Toronto FC, who claimed a 2-1 win at Nu Stadium in front of a charged crowd. The result leaves Inter Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 20 games, while Toronto FC moves up to 11th with 21 points.
The first half was cagey, with both sides probing for openings but failing to find the net. The deadlock was broken in the 59th minute when J. Sargent capitalized on a well-weighted pass from D. Salloi to slot home for Toronto FC. Just three minutes later, D. Etienne doubled the visitors' lead with a composed finish, leaving Inter Miami with a steep climb.
Inter Miami pulled one back in the 82nd minute when L. Messi found the net with a trademark effort, assisted by R. de Paul. The goal injected energy into the home side, but despite pushing forward in stoppage time, they couldn't find an equalizer.
The match saw its fair share of drama in the final moments, with Inter Miami's D. Ayala receiving a late yellow card in the 90+5th minute as frustration mounted. Earlier cautions included R. Laryea for Toronto FC in the 37th minute and M. Falcon for Inter Miami in the 53rd.
Referee I. Elfath kept tight control throughout, managing a physical contest that intensified in the closing stages. The loss marks a rare stumble for Inter Miami at home, where they have otherwise been formidable this season.
Toronto FC's victory will boost confidence ahead of their next fixture, while Inter Miami must regroup quickly to maintain their push at the top of the Eastern Conference. The result also highlights the fine margins that define MLS campaigns, where a single match can shift momentum significantly.
Both teams showed resilience, but it was Toronto FC who executed when it mattered most. With the season entering its decisive phase, this result adds intrigue to the playoff race, as teams jockey for position in the tightly contested conference standings.
Looking ahead, Toronto FC will aim to build on this momentum, while Inter Miami faces pressure to bounce back. The Eastern Conference remains highly competitive, with just a few points separating several clubs in the middle and upper tiers.