For the first time in franchise history, Inter Miami will play for the MLS title. One year removed from being bounced out of the first round, Miami advanced to the MLS Cup on Saturday behind a definitive 5-1 win over New York City FC at home.
Tadeo Allende picked up a stunning hat trick in the win, continuing an incredible postseason run for the Argentinian forward. But it was an overall outstanding effort for Miami, who looks completely unstoppable heading into the title game.
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Allende pulled Miami to an early lead behind a first-half brace, scoring in the 14th and 23rd minutes off a stellar shot and a stellar header, respectively. But in the 37th minute, NYCFC took one back, with homegrown Justin Haak nailing a header of his own off a free kick.
Emotions were high in the win-or-go-home matchup, occasionally becoming chippy. Referee Jon Freemon gave out eight total yellow cards in the matchup, at one allowing a lengthy stoppage in the first half that quickly devolved into shoving.
Still, it quickly started to feel like Miami’s win was inevitable. Mateo Silvetti seemed to secure the win with a goal in the 67th minute. In the 83rd minute, Telasco Segovia scored off a Jordi Alba backheel pass to cap the win. And in the 89th minute, Allende completed his hat trick to turn it into a full-on blowout.
Miami has had its struggles at different points this season. But, so far, in the postseason, that have looked unstoppable. Saturday marks the team’s third straight game with at least four goals, with the team amassing 17 total goals across five playoff games.
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Inter Miami will face off against the winner of San Diego FC-Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference Final. But if Miami plays like it did on Saturday, either of those teams will have their hands full.
This story will be updated.
