The Quakes and Inter Miami drew even at three goals each before a sellout crowd of 18,000 in one of the most anticipated matches in team history. The magnitude of the game made this an event with expanded amenities with two sideline cabanas and an extended bar.
The game got off to a quick scoring start with Maximiliano Falcon opening up the scoring in the first minute but Chicho Arango drew the equalizer two minutes later.
Beau Leroux gave the home team the lead with his strike in the 37th minute, but the visitors later returned with another tying goal with Tadeo Allende netting the ball in the 44th. Ian Harkes put the Quakes back in the lead 4 minutes into the first half of stoppage time with his goal.
Lionel Messi tried to draw the game even with a free kick attempt only not to have it count. While he did not factor into the scoresheet he still provided the assists in the team’s offensive attack as a striker. However, Tadeo Allende’s tally in the 52nd minute gave Miami the tie–and in the end both teams left with a draw.
On the side of the Herons of South Florida, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets provided additional star power to the match along with a rising player in Benjamin Cremaschi. Luis Suarez did not suit up for Miami for personal reasons. While the sellout was indicative of what can happen with a competitive Quakes team with a superstar at their helm, the majority of fans were there mostly to support who is the game’s iconic generational player since Pele of Brazil and the New York Cosmos played against the old NASL Earthquakes down the road at Spartan Stadium.
The Quakes return on the road this Saturday against New England kickoff at 4:30pm, while Miami return home to face rival Orlando on Sunday 4pm start.
