Inter Miami were crowned champions of the MLS Eastern Conference after a resounding 5-1 victory over New York City FC. This is their first conference title and qualifies them for the MLS Cup Final (against the winner of the San Diego vs. Vancouver series).
Tadeo Allende scored in the 14th and 23rd minutes of the first half, while Justin Haak pulled one back for New York City FC before halftime. In the second half, Mateo Silvetti (22nd minute), Telasco Segovia (38th minute), and Tadeo Allende (44th minute), completing his hat trick, sealed the victory for the Miami side.
Inter Miami took control of the match early on but endured some anxious moments before breaking the deadlock. After a balanced start with high pressure from New York City, the “Herons” only managed to create danger in the 14th minute, when a cross from Lionel Messi found Silvetti’s head. Two minutes later, the deadlock was broken: Tadeo Allende fought for a ball inside the area, won the one-on-one duel, and fired past Matt Freese to make it 1-0.
Javier Mascherano’s team grew in confidence after the goal and, in the 23rd minute, struck again with an impeccable header from Allende after a precise cross from Jordi Alba. Although the home side dominated, the visitors found some breathing room in the 36th minute with a header from Haak to pull one back.
The second half began with several changes for both teams and few scoring opportunities. The tension rose when New York City threatened with a low, driven shot that forced Ríos Novo into a superb save in the 20th minute.
That play proved to be a turning point: seconds later, Messi regained prominence by threading a pass that Silvetti converted into a 3-1 lead with a low, driven shot across goal. With the lead now more comfortable, Mascherano continued to make substitutions, bringing on Segovia, who injected fresh energy into the attack.
And that energy quickly paid off: in the 38th minute, Segovia played a sublime one-two with Jordi Alba and finished with his right foot for a stunning goal that made it 4-1. Just minutes later, Silvetti was substituted by Luis Suárez.
The game ended in pure celebration. In the 44th minute, Allende capped off his dream night with his third goal of the game and Inter Miami’s fifth, sparking wild celebrations in Florida.
With the final score of 5-1, the Herons secured the Eastern Conference title and their first-ever berth in the MLS Cup Final, where they will face either San Diego FC or the Vancouver Whitecaps next Saturday for the championship.
