Inter Miami Extend MLS Lead with Alba's Late Winner

Inter Miami extended their lead atop the MLS standings with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire on Saturday, despite the absence of star forward Lionel Messi.

Matias Rojas gave Miami an early lead in the sixth minute, but Rafael Czichos equalized for the Fire in the 73rd minute. Just two minutes later, former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba netted the game-winning goal for Inter Miami.

The win marked Inter Miami's 16th in 25 games, taking their points tally to 53. They now hold a five-point advantage over second-placed FC Cincinnati, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls.

In New York, Lewis Morgan's brace and Kyle Duncan's strike gave the Red Bulls a commanding 3-0 lead after 59 minutes. Corey Baird pulled one back for Cincinnati in the 67th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation.

Meanwhile, Daniel Gazdag's hat-trick propelled Philadelphia Union to a 3-0 victory over Nashville. Gazdag's goals in the 10th, 39th, and 89th minutes kept Philadelphia within one point of Atlanta United for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Atlanta United came from behind to defeat Columbus 2-1, thanks to Stian Gregersen's brace in the 60th and 77th minutes. Richie Laryea's 38th-minute goal earned Toronto a 1-0 triumph over Montreal.

Tags: #MLS, #InterMiami, #ChicagoFire, #JordiAlba, #MatiasRojas