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Suarez Delivers Late as Inter Miami Edges Tigres; Orlando Advances on Penalties
Luis Suarez converted two penalties — including an 89th-minute winner — as Inter Miami defeated Tigres UANL 2-1 in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Herons advanced despite the absence of Lionel Messi and the first-half dismissal of manager Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami 2, Tigres UANL 1
Suarez opened the scoring in the 23rd minute after Javier Aquino committed a handball inside the box. Tigres equalized through Angel Correa’s strike in the 67th minute, but Suarez’s second spot kick sealed Miami’s place in the semifinals.
Drama continued when Tigres’ Ivan Lopez nearly forced extra time in stoppage time, hitting both posts with a header that stayed out. Mascherano, who had been shown a red card at halftime, was later shown on television apparently communicating with his staff via phone — an action prohibited for ejected coaches.
Miami will now host Orlando City in the semifinals, setting up a Florida derby.
Orlando City 0 (6), Toluca 0 (5)
Orlando City advanced after defeating Toluca in penalties, with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese saving two spot kicks and then converting the decisive penalty himself.
The two clubs, both among the top finishers in their respective leagues during the Leagues Cup group stage, surprisingly played to a scoreless draw across 90 minutes. Toluca outshot Orlando 15-4, but their finishing lacked precision.
Gallese denied Nicolas Castro and Juan Pablo Dominguez in the shootout, before stepping up to score Orlando’s seventh penalty. Rodrigo Schlegel produced Orlando’s only shot on target during regulation with a header late in the first half.
Match Statistics
| Match | Score | Key Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami vs Tigres | 2-1 | Suarez (23’ pen, 89’ pen); Correa (67’) |
| Orlando City vs Toluca | 0-0 (6-5 pens) | Gallese (2 saves, winning penalty) |
What’s Next
Inter Miami will face Orlando City in next week’s Leagues Cup semifinal. Orlando defeated Miami twice earlier this year in MLS play by a combined score of 7-1, setting the stage for a high-stakes Florida showdown.
Leagues Cup Quarterfinal Summary
| Advancing Team | Eliminated Team | Method of Victory |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | Tigres UANL | 2-1 (Suarez brace) |
| Orlando City | Toluca | 0-0 (6-5 penalties) |
