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Inter Miami beats Chicago Fire despite dramatic own goal at
Leagues 23 July 2026

Inter Miami beats Chicago Fire despite dramatic own goal at

Inter Miami took a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire in their first match after the World Cup break. Despite a painful own goal early in the game, the team came back well and climbed to second place in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami beats Chicago Fire despite dramatic own goal at

According to Sports.

Background

Rocco Ríos Novo, who got his first starting spot since March, will have to improve his performance after the unfortunate own goal. The choice to start him over Dayne St. Clair could now come under pressure as the club progresses into the season. Suárez's contribution with two goals shows that experienced players are crucial for Inter Miami at this stage of the competition.

Why this matters

The win over Chicago Fire is crucial for Inter Miami, especially after Rocco Ríos Novo's disappointing own goal. This result strengthens their position in the Eastern Conference, where they now occupy second place. It also gives a positive boost to their season outlook, despite the lack of stars like Lionel Messi.

Key points

  • Inter Miami beats Chicago Fire despite dramatic own goal at.
  • Inter Miami took a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Chicago Fire in their first match after the World Cup break.
  • Inter Miami returns from World Cup break with awful own goal, but pull out win over Chicago Fire.

Inter Miami immediately created a spectacle when the MLS season resumed by beating Chicago Fire 3-2. The meeting, which was all about the return after the World Cup break, took a remarkable turn in the first half due to an unfortunate own goal by goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, who was given his first starting place since March.

The early damage occurred after a dangerous back pass from defender Ian Fray. With the threat of Robert Lewandowski in the penalty area, the goalkeeper was put under pressure and went completely wrong, causing the ball to end up in his own goal. It was a particularly bitter way for Ríos Novo to return, as the club preferred him to Dayne St. Clair, who did not convince just before the break.

However, the grumbling Inter Miami was not deterred. Supported by the home crowd, and despite the lack of stars such as Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the team increasingly took the initiative in the following minutes. Luis Suárez, the experienced Uruguayan in the forward line, lived up to his reputation by scoring the equalizer in the 27th minute. Shortly after halftime, Suárez even gave his team the lead, completely turning the game around.

![Image](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/dcfc3b117edc884d8e3b281ba4f847eb1395bc9c14597ebfe09d6fc91983795d/lightyear_networkapi /resizefill_w640_h360;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fmls_video_875%2F3c552b1d7c18828b74cbd54a2a538b4d)

However, Chicago Fire did not give up and Puso Dithejane tied the game with a striking goal. With the score at 2-2, a division of points seemed imminent, until substitute Preston Plambeck scored the winning goal for Inter Miami in the final phase. This allowed the men from Florida to restart the season with three points.

With this victory, Inter Miami climbs to second place in the Eastern Conference, with ten wins, four drawsand two defeats. Only Nashville is doing better right now. The victory is extra welcome now that the team has to make do without Messi and De Paul. It was by no means a flawless performance, but the team showed resilience and picked up important points with a view to the play-offs.

There is still work to be done for the coach and selection, but the next meetings offer an opportunity to maintain the positive momentum and continue to pursue the leading position.

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What's happening now

Inter Miami will now prepare for their next matches in the MLS, where they will look to maintain the momentum of this victory. The team will have to continue to perform without Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, but with Luis Suárez in top form the attack looks strong. The match impact of this win could help them reach the play-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire match?

Inter Miami defeated Chicago Fire 3-2.

How does this win affect the standings in the MLS?

The victory has a positive impact on Inter Miami's position in the MLS standings.

Who scored the goals for Inter Miami?

Luis Suárez scored two goals and Preston Plambeck scored the winning goal.

When is Inter Miami's next match?

The date of Inter Miami's next match has not yet been mentioned in the article.

What happened to the goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo during the match?

Rocco Ríos Novo scored an unfortunate own goal, but recovered later in the match.

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