Jordi Alba and Tadeo Allende both struck twice as Inter Miami returned to winning ways with a commanding 4-1 triumph over the New England Revolution in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday night.

The victory ended Miami’s two-match winless run and lifted them to third place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference standings with 59 points (17-7-8). With two fixtures remaining, Miami sit three points behind second-placed FC Cincinnati, who have one match in hand.

Dor Turgeman netted the only goal for the struggling Revolution (9-16-8, 35 points), who have now lost five of their last six outings.

While Lionel Messi failed to score for the second consecutive match, the Argentine star made his mark by assisting three of Miami’s four goals.

In the 32nd minute, amid heavy rain, Messi threaded a precise through ball to Allende, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Matt Turner to open the scoring. 

Just before the interval, Messi intercepted a clearance near the Revolution goal and set up Alba, who smashed home Miami’s second in first-half stoppage time.

New England clawed one back in the 59th minute through a stunning solo effort from Turgeman. After receiving the ball from Carles Gil just past midfield, the Israeli forward surged toward the box before drilling a low drive past Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo to make it 2-1.

Rios Novo replaced regular starter Oscar Ustari, who had conceded five goals in a 5-3 defeat to the Chicago Fire earlier in the week.

Miami responded instantly. Within a minute, Messi orchestrated another counterattack, sending Allende through on goal to restore the two-goal cushion. 

Three minutes later, Alba added his second of the night, converting a smart pass from Telasco Segovia to seal the emphatic win.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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