Late Leo Campana Stunner Helps Inter Miami Over Toronto

BMO Field – A late Leo Campana stunner in stoppage time gave Inter Miami CF three immense points in Toronto keeping the Herons on pace to break the MLS single-season points record. Miami can surpass the record with a win in their final regular season match on October 19th versus the New England Revolution at Chase Stadium.

Starting XI

Inter Miami matched up against Toronto FC with a heavily rotated lineup as only one starter from the previous match [Noah Allen] was on the pitch from the start. Oscar Ustari began in goal, a backline of five that included Franco Negri, Noah Allen, Sergeii Kryvstov, Tomas Aviles, and Julian Gressel. The midfield consisted of Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, and Matias Rojas. Leonardo Campana and Robert Taylor were the attacking pair for Miami.

Tata Martino decides on going with a rotation 🆚 Toronto FC giving #Lionel #Messi & The Fantastics some rest by starting them off the bench…

Big game for Leo Campana 🔔 the captain as #InterMiamiCF chase the #MLS points record… pic.twitter.com/uHVv9NBme4

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 5, 2024

Match Action

The lack of minutes together was evident as the Herons had little chemistry or rhythm to begin the match. Toronto had possession and control dominating the early minutes of the first half. Miami’s midfield of Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, and Matias Rojas, could not piece together long sequences or create dangerous opportunities. Midway through the first half Inter Miami began to warm into the match and improved their collective play.

Neither team could breach the other’s goal and the uninspiring first half ended 0-0.

It was much of the same in the second half until Tata Martino subbed in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets for David Ruiz and Robert Taylor. The Toronto crowd began to cheer loudly, but it was for their opponent’s star player, Messi.

The Toronto crowd went wild when Lionel #Messi came into the match…#InterMiamiCF #MLS
pic.twitter.com/hRH7VzYykW

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 5, 2024

Messi and Busquets showed their quality, turning the possession of the ball in favor of Miami. The game became more exciting with action on both sides of the pitch. Noah Allen made a spectacular sliding save on an Owusu shot attempt inside the Miami box. It was a clear opportunity for Toronto and the young defender was up to the task.

The match continued back and forth without either squad finishing their chances. In stoppage time, and when it seemed Miami was destined to play to a draw and lose their chance at the MLS points record Suarez and Leo Campana created a masterpiece of a Golazo!

GOLAZO!! By Leo Campana 🔔!!!!To give #InterMiamiCF the 0-1 lead in stoppage time!!! The #MLS points record dream is still alive..#MLS https://t.co/TCtrEEQs11

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) October 5, 2024

Leo Campana poked the ball away from a Toronto player and Diego Goimez controlled and then passed out wide to Luis Suarez. “El Pistolero” and Campana played a pair of one-touch passes to each other, culminating in a splendid volley by Campana to score a Golazo! Miami’s hopes of breaking the points record remain very much alive, and a win against the current record holders the New England Revolution in their final match will give the Herons the new record.

Postgame

One of the topics of conversation post-match was the MLS points record, with Inter Miami players answering questions about its importance to the team. Veteran Julian Gressel was candid about how he thinks the team feels when responding to a question from MLS.com,

I think we’d all be lying if we said it doesn’t matter. Now we have something to play for in front of our home fans.

Noah Allen also gave his thoughts on the matter, stating the team’s desire to break the record but prioritizing the MLS Cup overall,

The target is MLS Cup right, that’s been the main target all year, but we want to win as many games as possible. Now that the opportunity presents itself we really want it [Points Record] we’re really hungry for it.

Inter Miami’s main objective undoubtedly is winning the MLS Cup because without that the season would end feeling like the main objectives all slipped away. The Supporters’ Shield is good, and the points record would be welcomed, but the ultimate end game is the MLS Cup or bust.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been critical of Leo Campana in the past because of his lack of production when considering his great talent and potential. In the last few weeks, Campana has begun to do what I have always expected from him, play passionately and score goals. Campana’s late stunner versus Toronto will go done in Inter Miami lore if the Herons can break the points record in their next game against the Revolution.

A magic moment from Leo Campana to keep the MLS single-season points record within reach. ✨

Miami (71 pts) will look to beat New England’s 2021 record (73 pts) on Decision Day against the Revs. pic.twitter.com/i1Ni2QVrkR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 5, 2024

Tata Martino played his cards against Toronto by putting out a squad that featured one starter from the previous big match against the Columbus Crew. The Herons looked rusty but in the end, Tata got his starters some rest and the Herons won the game, a big move that paid off for Tata, like so many he has made this season.

Noah Allen is one of the biggest gambles Tata Martino has made. Martino told everyone Allen was a left center-back when he has always been a left-back or left wing-back. Allen has grown into this new role superbly as the season has progressed and has consistently put out solid performances in big games for Miami. Kudos to Tata for his vision and kudos to Allen for stepping up and facing the challenge.

Ian Fray was not rostered for the Toronto game after being seen with an ice bag on his right knee during the Supporters’ Shield celebration in the locker room. As of now, it looks to be a precautionary move and he is week-to-week. Fray is an important piece of the Miami defense.

The season is winding down and Inter Miami is poised to make a run at the MLS Cup, the Herons are about to take flight.