Just got done watching FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami at TQL Stadiu. what a performance by Cincinnati! A 3-0 thrashing of the well known Inter Miami. Here’s my take on how it all went down.
Photo Credit: Odds
Cincinnati came out like a team possessed. From the opening whistle, they were all over Miami, pressing high and not giving them a second to breathe. Gerardo Valenzuela set the tone early, scoring in the first minute after a slick assist from Luca Orellano, who was spinning defenders all round. That goal was a statement Cincy wasn’t here to mess around. Evander stole the show, though, bagging a brace with his second half goals.
The home crowd at TQL was electric, and you could feel the energy fueling Cincinnati’s relentless attack.
Photo Credit: The Touchline
Inter Miami, on the other hand, were totally outplayed. Coming off a five game win streak and that Club World Cup high, they were expected dominate, especially with Lionel Messi on the pitch. But Cincy’s defense, led by Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga, had Messi in their pocket. For the first time in MLS, he didn’t score against Cincinnati, and you could see the frustration. The 38-year-old looked gassed, covering the least ground of anyone on the field by the second half. Miami’s attack just couldn’t click. Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende barely got a look, and their midfield was overrun by Cincy’s intensity. Javier Mascherano’s game plan fell apart, and Miami’s defense was a mess, conceding four shots on target before they even registered one.
Photo Credit: The Touchline
Pat Noonan deserves a ton of credit for this one. After Cincinnati's 4-2 loss to Columbus, he had his squad locked in, playing as a unit and exploiting Miami’s backline. They were so efficient, creating big chances and finishing them. Roman Celentano in goal was a wall, keeping a clean sheet with some clutch saves.
For Miami, this was a reality check. Their five game win streak and Messi’s historic brace run came crashing down. They’re still in fifth, but with three games in hand, they’ll need to regroup fast before facing the Red Bulls. Cincinnati, though? They’re proving they’re a legit contender, especially at home where they’re now unbeaten in four against Miami. This was a masterclass in tactics, heart, and finishing.