Inter Miami CF Gets To U.S. Open Cup Final

     Inter Miami CF edged FC Cincinnati with a 3-3 penalty-kick victory in the U.S. Open Semifinals at TQL Stadium on Wednesday night. They advanced to the U.S. Open Final next week and will attempt to be become a double champion in 2023. Inter Miami CF captured the Leagues Cup on Saturday against Nashville SC.

     It was the first time that Lionel Messi was unable to score in a contest for Inter Miami CF since he joined them.  He has compiled 10 goals in eight games with his new team. 

     FC Cincinnati pulled out to a1-0 lead in the 18th minute. Luciano Acosta booted a nine-yard deflected shot into the cage with his left foot.

     In the second half, it became 2-0 FC Cincinnati on a tally by Brandon Vazquez. Inter Miami CF made it 2-1 during the 68th minute as Leonardo Campana scored. It was tied by Inter Miami CF in stoppage time as Messi sent a long lead pass and Campana put in a header from six yards out. 

     The game ended up going for another 30 minutes. Josef Martinez gave Inter Miami CF their first lead of the contest 3-2 on a right-footed goal from 14 yards out in the 93rd minute. Yuya Kubo blasted a right-footed shot from 17 yards away in the 114th minute to even it up for FC Cincinnati 3-3. 

     It would be decided on penalty kicks. Both teams would convert on their first four attempts. Hagglund had his penalty shot saved and Benjamin Cremaschi followed with a score for Inter Miami CF to win the game.