Inter Miami, missing star striker Lionel Messi, fought hard to a 2-0 win over Jamaica’s Cavalier in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 encounter on Thursday. The Argentine great was rested once more for what the club defined as ‘load management,’ having also sat out Sunday’s 4-1 MLS victory over Houston. A slow start was followed by an uptick in pace after halftime as Miami claimed a vital road win.
Cavalier Impressive in First Half, Foiled by VAR
Miami coach Javier Mascherano was optimistic his team could take care of business against their Caribbean opponents without the services of Messi, but the first hour of play was troublesome. Cavalier played with gusto, counter-attacked recklessly, and defended doggedly against an uninspired Miami team.
The hosts were almost through in the 28th minute when Jamilio Rigters sent over a cross from the left flank, and Jalmaro Calvin could not make his shot on target. Soon after, Cavalier almost scored the opener when a deflected attempt by Calvin rebounded off the post.
With only moments left before halftime, Cavalier believed they had finally opened the scoring when Richard King teed up Shaquille Stein to find the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out after a long VAR examination, deeming it offside. The ruling incited ire among the home team, but Miami managed to hold on and go into the break tied.
Inter Miami Steps Up After the Break, Secures Victory
Mascherano’s team came out more determined in the second half and were finally rewarded in the 61st minute. Following a goalmouth melee, Tadeo Allende pounced on the chance and shot a firm shot into the corner to give Miami the lead.
As the game progressed, Cavalier began to show signs of fatigue. Their defensive lapses were punished in the 83rd minute when Luis Suárez capitalized on a mistake by Shamar Watson, tucking home Miami’s second goal and sealing the victory.
Second Leg Awaits in Kingston
With a 2-0 lead, Inter Miami will now focus on the return leg in Kingston on March 13. Although Miami is coming into the match with a substantial lead, Cavalier’s performance in the first leg presents them as having enough firepower to still threaten.