FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Matias Rojas scored twice and Jordi Alba had four assists as defending-champion Inter Miami, despite having a player sent off in the 28th minute, hung on to defeat Toronto FC 4-3 in round-of-32 Leagues Cup play Thursday. While there was no Lionel Messi, the game had pretty much everything else.
The first half featured five goals, a red card and three penalties, one of which was downgraded to a free kick after video review. Diego Gomez and Luis Suarez also scored for Miami, which led 3-1 after 20 minutes and 3-2 at the break. The 35-year-old Alba, who spent 11 seasons with Barcelona, becomes the first player to record four assists in a Leagues Cup game.
Lorenzo Insigne, scoring twice from the penalty spot, replied for Toronto which also benefited from an own goal by Noah Allen. Miami will play at either MLS champion Columbus or Sporting Kansas City, who play Friday in the Ohio capital, on Monday or Tuesday in the round of 16. Despite being down a man, Miami looked composed in the second half and went ahead 4-2 in the 59th minute with Alba laying the ball off for Rojas to knock home from distance with a well-placed shot after a beautiful team buildup.
Both teams had chances to add to their totals in the second half and Toronto cut the lead to 4-2 in the 79th minute, with substitute Prince Owusu’s header deflecting in off Allen. Insigne supplied the cross that led to the goal. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made a diving save in the 85th minute of a.