Inter Miami continues to rewrite their narrative of success as they secured a spot in the US Open Cup final with a jaw-dropping comeback against Cincinnati. Battling from a 2-0 deficit, Miami displayed remarkable resilience to ultimately triumph on penalties in an enthralling semi-final clash that ended 3-3 after extra time at Ohio’s pulsating encounter.
Fresh from their recent triumph in the Leagues Cup, where they clinched victory against Nashville through a penalty shootout, Inter Miami stands on the brink of their second trophy since the acquisition of football legend Lionel Messi, who joined the club just last month.
The US Open Cup, a historic and prestigious knockout competition in American soccer, boasts a legacy dating back over a century to its inception in 1914. Often likened to England’s FA Cup or Spain’s Copa del Rey, the tournament holds a special place in American football culture.
Marking a pivotal moment for Inter Miami, the final is scheduled for September 27, with Miami earning the privilege of hosting the clash against Houston Dynamo. Houston Dynamo, on the other hand, secured their place in the championship match by defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 in a hard-fought contest that extended to extra time.
Merely a month ago, Cincinnati, perched atop the Major League Soccer standings, would have been touted as clear favorites against Miami, languishing at the bottom of the table. However, Inter Miami’s transformation under Messi’s influence has been undeniable, turning the team’s fortunes around from an 11-game winless streak in the league prior to the Argentine maestro’s arrival.
The match unfolded in the scorching heat, with temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) at kick-off. As the game progressed, Miami’s undefeated streak since the trio of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba joined the squad seemed to be hanging by a thread.
Trailing by a 2-0 margin with just 22 minutes on the clock, Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance by delivering two exquisite assists to Leonardo Campana, who found the net and forced the game into extra time.
The scoring began with Messi’s compatriot Luciano Acosta finding the back of the net for Cincinnati in the 18th minute. American striker Brandon Vazquez then doubled the home side’s lead with a remarkable strike from the edge of the box in the 53rd minute.
Responding to the adversity, Messi orchestrated a comeback. In the 68th minute, his pinpoint free-kick from the left was met by Campana’s header, reinvigorating Miami’s hopes. Cincinnati had a moment of celebration denied as Yuga Kubo’s effort was disallowed due to handball.
In the final moments of regulation time, Messi’s precision came to the fore once again. A deep cross from the left found Campana at the back post, and the Ecuadorian forward struck the ball into the net, sending the game into extra time.
During the extra-time period, Inter Miami took the lead when Benjamin Cremaschi delivered an impeccable pass to Josef Martinez, who capitalized with a clinical finish. However, Cincinnati mounted a spirited response as Japanese winger Yuga Kubo curled a right-footed shot into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Drake Callender helpless.
With the match tied at 4-4 in the penalty shootout, Callender emerged as the hero for Miami as he saved Nick Hagglund’s crucial penalty for Cincinnati. Seizing the moment, Benjamin Cremaschi confidently converted the subsequent penalty, propelling Inter Miami into the final and securing his status as the match-winner.
The 18-year-old Miami native, of Argentine descent, was personally congratulated by Lionel Messi for his decisive spot-kick. Expressing his elation, Cremaschi shared his disbelief, stating, “I’m living a huge dream… Sometimes I sit down and really think about the position that I’m in and it’s incredible, I never believed I was going to be in the spot I am in now,” as he spoke to CBS Sports.
However, not everyone shared in the celebratory mood. Gerardo Martino, the coach of Inter Miami, expressed a more measured perspective. With an upcoming grueling 12-game stretch to climb the Eastern Conference ranks, Martino hinted at possible player rotations, including Messi, to manage fatigue following an intense eight-game run.
“Both Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit, and from today we will evaluate how we approach the next three matches,” Martino stated. He acknowledged the team’s enthusiasm but noted the challenges of performing at their best amidst the demanding schedule.
Meanwhile, the Houston Dynamo paved their own path to the final by defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 in extra time. Hector Herrera’s goal on the stroke of half-time gave Houston the initial advantage, countered by a goal from Salt Lake’s Julio Anderson in the 64th minute. Panamanian midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla’s solo effort in extra time swung the momentum back in Houston’s favor, ultimately sealed by Luis Caicedo’s late strike.
As Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo brace for the ultimate showdown in the US Open Cup final, football enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate the clash of these determined and resurgent teams.
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