Higuain’s late goal helps Miami edge past DC United
WASHINGTON: Gonzalo Higuain scored the deciding goal in a 3-2 win for Inter Miami over DC United on Sunday.
Higuain’s game-winner came in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time to put Miami (12-13-6) on top 3-2. Deandre Yedlin had an assist on the goal.
Miami also got two goals from Leonardo Campana. Christian Benteke and Taxiarchis Fountas scored one goal each for United (7-19-6).
United outshot Miami 17-8, but each team had five shots on goal.
Drake Callender saved three of the five shots he faced for Miami. David Ochoa saved two of the five shots he faced for United.
Miami next plays on Friday against Toronto on the road, and United will visit CF Montreal on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Major League Soccer said it will look into a claim that DC United player Taxi Fountas used a racial slur against Inter Miami defender Lowe during the second half of the match.
The mood was somber aterwards, with Inter Miami (12-13-6) players revealing that they were ready to walk off the field during the match if something was not done about what they believe Fountas said.
“It was a racist comment,” Inter Miami coach Phil Neville said. “It was unacceptable. A word was used. I think it’s unacceptable in society. A word was used, I think, the worst word in the world. And that’s it, really.”
Fountas and Lowe, who is Black, both received yellow cards in the 62nd minute ater exchanging words. That all happened shortly ater Fountas scored to tie the game at 2-2.
Inter Miami players gathered and ater a period of conversation that lasted several minutes, Neville spoke with Wayne Rooney, his DC United counterpart. Rooney took Fountas out of the game, and play resumed.
“There was a complaint, which I’m sure will get investigated. Not much more I can say,” Rooney told reporters.
Miami next plays on Friday against Toronto on the road, and United will visit CF Montreal on Saturday. Elsewhere, Santiago Moreno scored in stoppage time to give the Portland Timbers a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew.
Thetimbershaveafive-gameundefeatedstreak as they vie for a playoff spot. The draw moved Portland (11-8-13) to fith in the Western Conference standings with two games to go.