Inter Miami CF Defeat Chicago Fire FC

     Inter Miami CF were victorious 3-2 over the Chicago Fire FC at Nu Stadium on Wednesday night. The Herons have not played a game since May 24 due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. Both are among the top three teams in the Eastern Conference standings. 

     Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul did not participate in the contest for the Herons. Both have been allowed to miss MLS games for a three-week period following Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup Final on Sunday. 

     Chicago Fire FC(8-5-2) rolled out to a 1-0 advantage during the 18th minute. It turned out to be an own goal by Herons goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. He whiffed on a right-footed clearing pass from his own cage. 

     Inter Miami CF(10-2-4) evened it up 1-1 in the 27th minute. Luis Suarez was able to place in a penalty kick off the left post and into the cage with his right foot. 

     In the second half, the Herons claimed a 2-1 lead in the 51st minute. Suarez sent a lead pass into the penalty area and German Berterame returned it with a heel pass to the middle. Suarez volleyed in a right-footed shot from 11 yards out into the low left corner of the net for his second tally of the contest. 

     Chicago tied it up 2-2 in the 67th minute. Puso Dithejane rifled in a shot from 16 yards with his right foot.

     Inter Miami CF regained the lead 3-2 during the 87th minute. Preston Plambeck collected the go-ahead goal for the Herons when he volleyed a rebound shot with his right foot from seven yards away. Plambeck, a Florida native, scored his first career Major League Soccer goal.