Fillipi Equalizer Saves Miami From Loss

Riquelme Fillipi struck in the 90th minute on Wednesday night to give Inter Miami a 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati. The goal, Fillipi's first in Major League Soccer, came after a frantic final stretch in which the visitors took the lead and nearly sealed a surprise victory.

The match began slowly, with Luis Suárez giving the home side a 1-0 advantage in the 61st minute. Cincinnati responded in the closing stages. Kenji Mboma Dem equalized in the 80th minute. Six minutes later, Samuel Gidi scored his first MLS goal on a counterattack, finishing from the top of the box to put Cincinnati ahead 2-1.

Fillipi connected from the left side of the box to restore parity for Miami. In stoppage time, Evander shot from near the penalty spot, but defender Ian Fray blocked the effort. The subsequent corner kick did not threaten the goal, and the final whistle ended the game.

Lionel Messi played the full match without finding the net. The result leaves Inter Miami in third place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points. New England Revolution holds second with 58 points after defeating Red Bull New York 3-2 on Wednesday. Both teams have two regular season matches remaining.

Inter Miami travels to Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday to face New England. A win would close the gap to zero points and keep the club in contention for the second seed in the conference. Miami plays its final regular season home game against Charlotte on Nov. 7.

For FC Cincinnati, the draw kept the playoff race alive. The team needed a win in Miami and a loss by Columbus to Dallas to secure a postseason berth. It remains in pursuit of a spot in the playoffs.

The league announced that Cincinnati will return to Miami on Feb. 19 for the opening match of the 2027 Sprint Season. This shortened campaign will bridge the current calendar and the new internationally aligned schedule starting in July 2027.