Messi-Less Miami Beat Chicago 2-1 To Stretch MLS Lead

Jordi Alba’s goal in the 75th minute secured a 2-1 home victory for Inter Miami over the Chicago Fire on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the MLS standings despite the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi.

Inter Miami’s 16th win in 25 games took them to 53 points, putting them five points clear of second-placed FC Cincinnati, who lost 3-1 to the New York Red Bulls.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas opened the scoring for Miami in the sixth minute. Chicago’s German defender Rafael Czichos equalized in the 73rd minute, but former Spain star Alba scored the decisive goal just two minutes later.

In New York, Cincinnati was stunned by two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan and a strike from defender Kyle Duncan, as the Red Bulls led 3-0 by the 59th minute. Corey Baird scored Cincinnati’s lone consolation goal in the 67th minute.

Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag scored a hat-trick to lead his team to a 3-0 win over visiting Nashville. Gazdag found the net in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes, keeping Philadelphia one point behind Atlanta for the last Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen scored twice in the 60th and 77th minutes to help Atlanta United come from behind to beat Columbus 2-1 at home.

In Montreal, Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea’s 38th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Toronto.