With win over Toronto FC, Inter Miami still have potential to set the MLS record for points in a season
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Miami win 1-0Messi and Suarez come off benchCampana scores in 94th minuteGetty Images SportTELL ME MORE
If Inter Miami sets the MLS points record on Matchday 38, Leonardo Campana will fondly be remembered as one of the reasons why.
Campana scored a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute to seal a 1-0 win against Toronto FC at BMO Field. The result pushes Miami on the precipice of history while Toronto will now need results to go its way later Saturday and Matchday 38 to clinch the playoffs.
It was a largely quiet affair for the first 60 minutes or so, with both teams struggling to create. Inter Miami began the game without the ex-Barcelona quartet of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while Toronto FC were also without stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi in the starting XI.
Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino looked to take a swing midway through the second half, throwing in Messi and Busquets in an attempt to win the game. TFC, meanwhile, tossed in Insigne late as well. Bernardeschi did not play in the match due to suspension.
They needed every last minute, but Miami ended up getting their breakthrough. It was Suarez who was the provider as he teed up Campana, whose last-gasp winner kept Miami's chance at history alive.
Miami can top the New England Revolution's MLS points record of 72 set in 2021 in their regular-season finale with a win.
AdvertisementTHE MVP
Strikers are always waiting for that one chance, and Campana took his. He had little service throughout the 90 minutes but, fortunately, got his moment of magic in the 93rd. Credit to Suarez for setting him up with a fantastic cross, too, but this was Campana's goal and his night to keep Miami's magical pursuit alive with another late finish.
USA Today Sports THE BIG LOSER
Realistically, Inter Miami had little to really play for here, which is why Martino went with the lineup he did. Toronto, though, had everything on the line, and they couldn't really muster much of anything.
Heading into Saturday, Toronto would always need help to make the postseason but, with the loss, it's all gotten pretty ugly. Should either D.C. United or the Philadelphia Union win or draw, TFC's season is over. It was never going to be easy, particularly against Miami, but their season effectively ended with a whimper on Saturday.
GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
With the Supporters' Shield already secured, Inter Miami will close out their regular season campaign with one final match against the and Revolution on Oct. 19 before looking ahead to the MLS Cup playoffs.
