Inter Miami’s unbeaten start to the Major League Soccer season came to a shocking end on Sunday, as they suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to FC Dallas.
The game at Chase Stadium saw Miami squander a 3-1 lead with just 25 minutes remaining, as Dallas staged a remarkable comeback to take all three points.
Missing their star players, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami rested several key figures ahead of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final second leg against Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday.
Coach Javier Mascherano made multiple changes to his starting lineup, and for a while, it seemed his strategy would pay off as Miami led 3-1.
Dallas had opened the scoring early with a fierce strike from fullback Shaq Moore in the 8th minute, but Miami quickly responded through Fafa Picault’s close-range finish.
Colombian 18-year-old Allen Obando put Miami ahead in the 29th minute with a well-timed finish before David Martinez added a third for the hosts.
However, Dallas regrouped and found their momentum, especially after introducing Brazilian attacker Pedrinho.
The visitors clawed their way back into the game, with Luciano Acosta’s free kick leading to Osaze Urhoghide’s goal to make it 3-2.
Dallas levelled the score when Anderson Julio took advantage of a long ball, breaking free to fire home the equaliser.
The game was sealed in the 81st minute when Pedrinho scored the winning goal with a calm finish following a smart passing move from Dallas.
Miami’s defeat marked the end of their unbeaten MLS streak, and they now sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, though they have played one fewer game than most of their rivals.
Meanwhile, Vancouver warmed up for their trip to Florida with a 3-1 win over Minnesota, with Sebastian Berhalter and Pedro Vite scoring for the visitors.
