Messi-less Miami beats Chicago 2-1 to extend MLS lead

MIAMI:

Jordi Alba’s 75th-minute goal gave Inter Miami a 2-1 home win over Chicago Fire on Saturday, extending their lead atop the MLS standings despite the injury-enforced absence of Lionel Messi.

With their 16th win in 25 games, the teams now have 53 points, five points ahead of second-placed FC Cincinnati, who lost 3-1 at New York Red Bulls.

Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas gave Miami the lead in the sixth minute.

Saudi-born German defender Rafael Czichos equalised for the Fire in the 73rd minute, with former Spain star Alba scoring the winning goal two minutes later.

In New York, Cincinnati was shocked by two goals from Scottish midfielder Lewis Morgan either side of a shot from defender Kyle Duncan, giving the Red Bulls a 3-0 lead after 59 minutes.

Corey Baird scored the consolation goal for Cincinnati in the 67th minute.

A hat trick from Philadelphia’s Daniel Gazdag gave Union a 3-0 victory over visiting Nashville.

Gazdag scored in the 10th, 39th and 89th minutes to move Philadelphia just one point behind Atlanta in the battle for the final play-off spot in the East.

Norwegian defender Stian Gregersen scored in the 60th and 77th minutes to help Atlanta United turn a home deficit into a 2-1 win over Columbus.

Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea scored in the 38th minute to give Toronto a 1-0 victory over Montreal.