A Red Card and No Messi? No Problem for Miami as They Top Charlotte
- Best of Se7en Co
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Inter Miami faced an uphill battle against Charlotte FC, with Lionel Messi on the bench and not expected to play. Their challenge intensified in the first half when goalkeeper Óscar Ustari received a red card, forcing them to play with 10 men. Despite these setbacks, Miami defied the odds and secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, thanks to Tadeo Allende’s goal.
The first half was largely uneventful, with both teams creating decent opportunities but failing to convert. In the 38th minute, however, Charlotte appeared to have a breakthrough. On a fast break, marquee offseason signing Wilfried Zaha was tripped just outside the box by Ustari, resulting in a straight red card for the Miami goalkeeper. The ensuing free kick, taken by Pep Biel, sailed just over the crossbar, creating a missed opportunity for the visitors.
Despite being a man down, Miami came out of the break on the attack. Just 18 seconds into the second half, Luis Suárez orchestrated a chaotic sequence that ended with Allende burying the ball into the net, giving the home side the lead. The goal was Allende’s second in MLS play this season and gave him his fourth consecutive match with a goal across all competitions.
With a narrow advantage, Miami tightened up defensively, determined to see out the result. Charlotte pressed for an equalizer and came close on multiple occasions, narrowly missing two potential game-changing goals.
When the final whistle blew, Miami emerged victorious, claiming three crucial points in a match where the odds were stacked against them. Up next, they travel to Jamaica for a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Cavalier SC. Charlotte will return home to face FC Cincinnati.