Toronto FC suffered a 4-0 defeat on the road against Inter Miami CF in a star-studded MLS match-up at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night.

The first goal-scoring opportunity of the game came to TFC when a collaborative high pressing defensive attempt from midfielder Jonathan Osorio, and forward Deandre Kerr led to two great opportunities for Kerr in the 13th minute. The Toronto forward's initial left-footed shot from the centre of the box was saved by Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Drake Callender, with Kerr striking the post on the secondary rebound attempt. Heading into this match, Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi had registered a goal or an assist in 10 of 11 games with his club. The Inter Miami captain was quick to test the Toronto defence early on, but TFC goalkeeper Tomás Romero stood strong and confidently saved Messi’s first left-footed shot attempt from outside the box attempt in the 18th minute. As the first half progressed, an unfortunate trend of injuries began to emerge. Both teams had to make two substitutions a piece due to injury. TFC substituted midfielders Víctor Vázquez, and Brandon Servania off in the 11th and 25th minute respectively. Inter Miami CF were also forced into substituting star forward Lionel Messi and left-back Jordi Alba off. Just before the end of the first half, Inter Miami took the lead courtesy of Facundo Farías. The Inter Miami midfielder pounced on TFC goalkeeper Tomás Romero’s initial punched clearance from a cross and scored a volley from the centre of the box into the top right-hand corner.

The Reds began the second half searching for the equalizer. In the 48th minute, Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was forced into making a great save on TFC winger Lorenzo Insigne’s right-footed shot attempt in the bottom left corner. A few minutes later, Inter Miami doubled their lead when midfielder Robert Taylor’s right-footed shot from distance found its way to the bottom left corner of the TFC net in the 54th minute. As the second half continued to progress, TFC pressed to create more offensive opportunities. Inter Miami capitalized on one of these numerical advantages in the midfield, securing their third goal of the match courtesy of midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi’s right-footed shot in the 73rd minute. TFC continued their quest for a goal and came close when Lorenzo Insigne struck the Inter Miami post with a long-ranged attempt from distance in the 83rd minute. That’s as close as TFC would get before Inter Miami scored their fourth goal of the evening, again thanks to midfielder Robert Taylor. 

The Reds return to action on Saturday, September 23rd at Red Bull Arena vs. New York City FC.