Inter Miami Advances to U.S. Open Cup Final After Thrilling Showdown with FC Cincinnati
In a match brimming with excitement and adrenaline, Inter Miami clinched a pivotal victory last Wednesday, overcoming FC Cincinnati 5-4 in penalties after a 3-3 draw in extra time. This triumph secures their spot in the U.S. Open Cup final.
The game was filled with unexpected twists, with Inter Miami having to rally on two occasions. One of the standout moments was Leonardo Campana’s goal in the 90+7 minute, pushing the match into extra time.
Moreover, the penalty shootout was a spectacle in its own right, with Messi’s squad emerging as victors.
Contrary to previous matches, this time it was Cincinnati who took the lead within the first 20 minutes. A play initiated by Luciano Acosta culminated in the match’s opening goal.
However, Inter Miami didn’t lag behind and, despite a disallowed goal for Aaron Boupendza due to offside, the team showcased determination and crafted opportunities with Messi and Jordi Alba.
Last-minute goal and decisive penalty shootout highlight the night
The second half saw Cincinnati extend their lead with a strike from Brandon Vázquez. But Inter Miami, far from giving up, found the net thanks to an assist from Messi that Leonardo Campana converted.
Messi ➡️ Campana 💥@InterMiamiCF | #USOC2023 pic.twitter.com/gMDf05tCJs
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) August 24, 2023
As the clock ticked on, Cincinnati aimed to hold onto their lead, but a stoppage-time goal from the Messi-Campana duo took the game to extra time.
The overtime was dominated by Inter Miami, with Josef Martínez, freshly subbed in from the bench, scoring a pivotal goal. However, Cincinnati retaliated with a goal from Kubo.
Despite the controversy over a potential penalty not awarded to Cincinnati, the match was settled in penalties, where Inter Miami emerged victorious.
Inter Miami now awaits in the U.S. Open Cup final, where they will face off against the winner between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake on September 27th.
🚨 THE U.S. OPEN CUP SEMIFINAL WILL BE DECIDED IN PENALTIES 🚨
Will Messi’s Inter Miami get to the final? Watch for FREE on the @CBSSports App or @PlutoTV.
OR WATCH HERE: https://t.co/qS0QO1yOwM pic.twitter.com/NVK6Py9Qhs
— WATCH MESSI FOR FREE (more in bio) (@CBSSportsGolazo) August 24, 2023
With information from Goal
