Suarez, Allende Score as Inter Miami Tops Cavalier FC 2-0 Without Messi/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 on Thursday night despite Lionel Messi’s absence. The Jamaican Premier League champions kept the match competitive, but Tadeo Allende broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, and Luis Suárez sealed the win in the 83rd. Cavalier had a goal overturned by VAR, nearly shocking the MLS powerhouse. Miami now carries a 2-0 aggregate lead into the second leg on March 13 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Inter Miami vs. Cavalier FC: Quick Look
- Final Score: Inter Miami 2, Cavalier FC 0
- Key Goal Scorers:
- Tadeo Allende (Inter Miami) – 61st minute
- Luis Suárez (Inter Miami) – 83rd minute
- Game-Changing Moment:
- Cavalier FC had a goal overturned by VAR just before halftime.
- Messi’s Status:
- Did not play due to fatigue; remains day-to-day.
- Next Match:
- Second leg in Kingston, Jamaica, on March 13.
Suarez, Allende Score as Inter Miami Tops Cavalier FC 2-0 Without Messi
Inter Miami Takes Control Without Messi: Deep Look
First-Half Tension: Cavalier FC Pushes Miami to the Brink
While Inter Miami entered the match as heavy favorites, Cavalier FC surprised the home crowd with aggressive play and relentless pressure. The Jamaican side celebrated a goal in the first half, only to see it wiped away by VAR after a lengthy review.
Cavalier outshot Miami 3-1 in the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Striker Jalmaro Calvin came close twice, once grazing the post in the 28th minute and again in the 33rd minute, forcing goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into action.
“We were playing with fire,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted. “We were lucky they didn’t finish their chances.”
Second-Half Surge: Miami Takes Over
After a shaky first half, Miami dominated possession in the second, flipping the shot count to 12-5 by the final whistle.
Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 61st minute with a powerful left-footed strike, giving Miami much-needed momentum. Luis Suárez added the insurance goal in the 83rd minute, ensuring Miami left Chase Stadium with a 2-0 aggregate lead.
Cavalier coach Rudolph Speid remained defiant, saying, “We’ll be ready to fight in the second leg.”
Messi’s Absence Looms Large
Though Messi was in attendance, he was not in uniform, marking his second straight match on the bench. Mascherano confirmed Messi is not injured but fatigued, following a stretch where he played eight matches in 40 days.
The Argentine remains day-to-day, with his next potential appearance coming in Inter Miami’s MLS match against Charlotte FC on Sunday.
Looking Ahead: Can Cavalier Pull Off the Upset?
With a 2-0 aggregate deficit, Cavalier FC faces a monumental challenge in Kingston on March 13. The National Stadium is sold out, and the home crowd could provide a spark for the Jamaican underdogs.
Can Inter Miami finish the job, or will Cavalier FC pull off a historic comeback?
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