Inter Miami overcame an early own goal to secure a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Fire, marking their fifth consecutive win in the first MLS match following the World Cup. The team lacked the presence of star player Lionel Messi.
The own goal occurred in the 18th minute when goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo misjudged a pass from defender Ian Fray. Instead of clearing the ball, Ríos Novo swung and missed, sending the ball into his own net and giving Chicago the lead. The play drew comparisons to a similar miscue by U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper Matt Freese during the World Cup against Belgium.
Broadcasters described the moment as a "disaster." Ríos Novo, who was in the starting lineup due to Dayne St. Clair's previous performance, had not played since March 14.
Despite the early setback, Inter Miami responded. Luis Suárez equalized in the 27th minute and then scored again in the second half to give Miami a 2-1 lead. Chicago managed to tie the game at 2-2, but Preston Plambeck scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute.
"I want to congratulate the entire squad, a group that has worked incredibly hard during this period," said Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos after the game. "We’ve been doing things right. I also want to congratulate the whole club. There are so many people working behind the scenes who make this great happiness possible. It’s truly moving, because that’s what football is all about: emotions, achievements, and feelings."