09/09/26 10:17:00
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09/09 22:12 CDT Messi's league-high 13th assist sets up Casemiro for equalizer
as Inter Miami ties Fire 1-1
Messi's league-high 13th assist sets up Casemiro for equalizer as Inter Miami
ties Fire 1-1
CHICAGO (AP) --- Lionel Messi collected his league-leading 13th assist of the
season when he set up Carlos Casemiro for the equalizer early in the second
half, and Inter Miami tied Chicago 1-1 on Wednesday night before a crowd of
63,094 --- the most for a Fire match at Soldier Field.
Inter Miami (12-4-8) evened the score three minutes into the second half when
Messi sent the ball Casemiro's way off a free kick for his third goal in his
eighth MLS appearance. Casemiro's goals have come on headers in three straight
matches.
Chicago (11-6-6) jumped in front in the 10th minute on a goal by Robert
Lewandowski --- his sixth in his first nine MLS matches. Defender Andrew Gutman
picked up his sixth assist and Robin Lod notched his fourth as the Fire took
the lead into halftime.
Chris Brady had six saves for Chicago. Brady made a diving save on a shot by
Germn Berterame in the 16th minute --- one of three first-half saves to keep
the Fire in front.
Dayne St. Claire saved two shots for Inter Miami, which has gone 1-2-4 since
the start of August.
It was a fourth straight draw for Chicago during a seven-match unbeaten streak.
The Fire are 7-3-1 at home.
Messi also has 18 goals and is the first player in league history with 30-plus
goal contributions in three separate seasons.
Inter Miami started the day in second place in the Eastern Conference --- 10
points behind Nashville SC. Messi and company are trying to become the first
team to win back-to-back championships since the 2011-12 Los Angeles Galaxy.
Up next
Miami: Hosts Nashville SC on Saturday.
Chicago: Hosts New England Revolution on Sunday.
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