WASHINGTON — Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami dropped points in the MLS Supporters’ Shield race, with a reserve-heavy lineup settling for a 1-1 draw against struggling D.C. United at Audi Field on Saturday, Aug. 23.
With Messi (right hamstring) and another big name, Jordi Alba (knee), both sidelined with injury, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano opted to swap out most of his starting lineup against one of MLS’s weakest teams. Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez all began the game on the bench, though the trio of global stars did enter the match in the second half.
In the meantime, United took a shock 13th-minute lead via a fine finish from Jackson Hopkins, capping off a strong opening phase from the hosts. However, Miami improved in the second half, with Baltasar Rodríguez scoring a world-class half-volley to equalize in the 64th minute.
For Miami, a draw against United — who were eliminated from the playoff race with the result — will go down as a disappointment. The Herons (13W-7D-5L) currently sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, and trail the Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union by eight points.
Here are highlights and what to know about D.C. United vs. Inter Miami MLS game:
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United highlights
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United final score: 1-1
That’s full time at Audi Field, with D.C. United and Inter Miami playing to a 1-1 draw.
Jackson Hopkins’ first-half goal gave the hosts a lead in a livelier performance than their fans have seen in a while, but a rocket from Baltasar Rodríguez got Miami level midway through the second half. Both sides hit the post in the final stages, but the Herons will wonder how all their second-half pressure didn’t amount to a game-winner.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: De Paul hits post
Inter Miami has put D.C. United under intense pressure as the game wears down, and Rodrigo De Paul nearly claimed a game-winner in stoppage time just now.
It would have been very lucky, as his free kick missed all of its targets, but the ball bent towards goal and hit the post, with Luis Barraza beaten.
It remains 1-1 in the final seconds.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Murrell goal called back, final subs
This game has turned into something of a thriller, with Jacob Murrell having a goal called back over what seemed like a very narrow offside call.
Inter Miami’s last sub sees defender Ryan Sailor replaced by Ian Fray, while D.C. United goes for broke by throwing forward Dominique Badji into the mix and taking off defender Connor Antley.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Two more DCU subs
D.C. United has added more fresh legs, with René Weiler sending on João Peglow and Rida Zouhir for Jackson Hopkins and Brandon Servania in the 74th minute.
Meanwhile, one of Weiler’s earlier subs, Jacob Murrell, hit the post on an increasingly rare break forward for the hosts.
Goal Inter Miami! Rodriguez scores unreal goal
We’ve had a flurry of activity, most notably a sensational goal by substitute Baltasar Rodríguez in the 64th minute.
A seemingly wayward corner kick floated over another second-half substitute, Luis Suárez (like we said, a lot has happened in the last few minutes), and Rodríguez took advantage, hitting a spectacular half-volley that bent into the furthest reaches of the upper corner to equalize.
This came shortly after a flurry of substitutions from both teams. First, Javier Mascherano opted for a triple substitution, bringing on Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Baltasar Rodríguez for Gonzalo Luján, David Ruíz, and Telasco Segovia. United made a double-swap of their own, sending Jared Stroud and Jacob Murrell on for Gabriel Pirani and Hosei Kijima, seconds before Suárez entered the fray in place of Tadeo Allende.
Second half underway between Inter Miami and D.C. United
No changes for either team as play resumes at Audi Field.
However, Inter Miami has Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul warming up, which could flip this game on its head should head coach Javier Mascherano bring them on.
Halftime: D.C. United leads Inter Miami 1-0
It’s a surprising scoreline at Audi Field, with D.C. United leading Inter Miami 1-0 on a 13th-minute Jackson Hopkins goal.
This may be a heavily rotated Inter Miami side, with Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul on the sidelines, but it’s arguably a fair reflection of play. D.C. created some good looks in the first half-hour, and while Miami has played their way into the game, United goalkeeper Luis Barraza has had little to do.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Peltola booked
D.C. United rapidly picks up a second yellow card, this time for holding midfielder Matti Peltola.
The Finn dove in trying to poke a loose ball away from Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia, but his trailing leg wiped the Venezuelan out.
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Yellow card to Herrera
Aaron Herrera is the first player booked, with the D.C. United defender (playing as a midfielder for the second straight game) tripping up Fafà Picault as Inter Miami attempted a counter-attack.
Goal D.C. United! Hopkins gives hosts lead
Miami’s B-team lineup is struggling with D.C. United, who have created several chances and now lead 1-0 in the 13th minute.
The Herons partially cleared a corner kick, but when it was looped back into the area by Matti Peltola, United’s Jackson Hopkins provided an authoritative finish from 10 yards.
Inter Miami at D.C. United kicks off
Miami’s massively rotated lineup kicks off against a D.C. United side that needs to win to keep their incredibly remote playoff hopes alive.
Inter Miami starting lineup: No Messi vs. D.C. United
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has rotated heavily, even without Lionel Messi (hamstring) available. The Herons’ other biggest names are not available to start either, with Jordi Alba (knee) not in uniform after picking up his injury Wednesday.
Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul are all on the bench, as a star-studded Miami side has turned heavily towards reserves and second-choice players.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Time, TV, streaming
Date: Saturday, August 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
TV channel: None
Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Watch Inter Miami at D.C. United on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
D.C. United starting lineup
Under new manager René Weiler (who oversaw his first match last weekend, a 1-1 road draw against CF Montréal), D.C. United has chosen a defense-first starting lineup.
Captain and star striker Christian Benteke is here at Audi Field in street clothes, as he and midfielder Boris Enow are both suspended due to yellow-card accumulation. United is also missing trade deadline addition Caden Clark, who was announced as out yesterday in Weiler’s first press conference.