Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew settled for a hard-fought 2-2 draw in Major League Soccer on Saturday night at Nu Stadium, with the visitors producing a late response to deny Miami a home victory.
Miami made a bright start and took the lead in the 16th minute through Luis Suárez. The veteran forward’s goal gave the home side an early advantage and reflected a first-half spell in which Inter Miami carried a slight edge in possession.
Columbus found a way back in the 34th minute when Casemiro turned the ball into his own net, restoring parity for the Crew. Miami, however, responded before the interval. Noah Allen rose to head home in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, 45’+5′, sending Inter Miami into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The hosts had 52.9 percent possession and won five corners, while recording four shots on target from 12 attempts. Columbus were similarly threatening, firing 13 shots and creating 12 shot assists as they pushed for an equaliser after the restart.
The decisive late moment arrived in the 84th minute. Brais Méndez struck directly from a free-kick to make it 2-2, rewarding the Crew’s persistence and ensuring the points were shared. Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was booked in the closing stages, while Sékoú Tidiany Bangoura and Casemiro also went into the referee’s book.
Inter Miami will be frustrated to have surrendered a second lead, particularly after Allen’s stoppage-time header had put them in control at half-time. Yet Columbus earned their draw with a composed second-half display and Méndez’s excellent set-piece finish.
Goals: Inter Miami CF — Luis Suárez 16′, Noah Allen 45’+5′. Columbus Crew — Casemiro 34′ (own goal), Brais Méndez 84′.
