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Inter Miami Melts Down, Ojeda and Evander Score Hat Tricks as LAFC Earns Late Draw
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Inter Miami Melts Down, Ojeda and Evander Score Hat Tricks as LAFC Earns Late Draw

From ABC Color · (10m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Inter Miami suffered a dramatic 3-4 home loss to Orlando City after leading 3-0 at halftime, with Martín Ojeda scoring a hat-trick for Orlando.
  • LAFC secured a 2-2 draw against San Diego FC with a goal in the 104th minute, preventing a loss in the California derby.
  • Other MLS matches saw Evander score a hat-trick for Cincinnati in a 3-2 win, and Minnesota United come from behind to beat Columbus Crew 3-2.

The latest round of Major League Soccer action delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for fans across the league, but none felt the sting of disappointment quite like those supporting Inter Miami. In a stunning collapse at their home stadium, the team squandered a commanding 3-0 halftime lead against Orlando City, ultimately succumbing to a 3-4 defeat. The architect of Miami's downfall was Martín Ojeda, who netted a spectacular hat-trick, turning the tide of the match and leaving Lionel Messi and his teammates searching for answers.

This dramatic implosion at home marks another frustrating chapter for Inter Miami, who continue to struggle for consistency, particularly in their new stadium. Despite moments of brilliance from Messi, including a goal and an assist in the first half, the team's inability to maintain focus and physical stamina in the second half proved costly. The loss underscores persistent issues with defensive solidity and the capacity to close out games, a recurring theme that fans are becoming increasingly weary of.

Meanwhile, the drama wasn't confined to Miami. In a thrilling encounter, Los Angeles FC snatched a late equalizer against San Diego FC, with a goal in the 104th minute salvaging a 2-2 draw. This hard-fought point, secured in the dying moments of an extended added-time period, highlights LAFC's resilience and fighting spirit, especially as they prepare for crucial Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.

Elsewhere, the league witnessed individual brilliance, with Evander of Cincinnati also scoring a memorable hat-trick to secure a vital 3-2 victory. These performances, alongside other results like Minnesota United's comeback win, showcase the competitive parity and unpredictable nature of MLS. As the season progresses, the league continues to provide captivating entertainment, marked by stunning comebacks, individual heroics, and, as Inter Miami fans know all too well, heartbreaking collapses.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.