Charlotte Dominates Miami 3-0, Extends Winning Streak to Nine
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte FC secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami CF on Friday, September 13, extending their remarkable winning streak to nine consecutive MLS matches and equaling the league record previously held by the Seattle Sounders in 2018. The decisive win bolsters Charlotte’s position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture while leaving Miami with ground to make up in the final stretch of the season.
The match saw Idan Toklomati emerge as the star,netting a hat trick and leading the charge for Charlotte. The opening goal arrived in the 38th minute when Kerwin Vargas crossed low for Toklomati to beat Oscar Ustari in the Miami goal. Toklomati doubled the hosts’ led in the 47th minute from close range and completed his hat trick with a penalty kick in the 84th minute, awarded after a foul on Wilfried Zaha.
Miami struggled to find a response, with their best opportunity coming from a play involving Lionel Messi and Tadeo Allende, but Charlotte goalkeeper Kahlina delivered a crucial save. Further compounding Miami’s difficulties, defender Tomás Avilés received a second yellow card in the 79th minute, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
The loss is a significant setback for miami, who were already without striker Luis Suárez due to a three-game MLS ban – and a six-match Leagues Cup suspension – stemming from an incident involving spitting at a Seattle staffer following their Leagues Cup final defeat on August 31.
“Well, it clearly worries me, we lost 3-0,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “Obviously, we were hoping to play a good game and get the three points, to get back to winning ways to build confidence and take a step forward in everything that’s coming up.That’s what we have to deal with now. Sadly, it wasn’t the night we wanted, and we’re trying to get back on our feet quickly becuase on Tuesday we have another very tough game against an opponent we know, a team we played recently. We’ll get out of this situation by working hard and, above all, winning. I don’t know any other way to get out.”
Miami will face a fast turnaround, hosting a rematch against Seattle in MLS play on Tuesday. Despite the defeat, Miami remains just above the playoff line with games in hand, but will need to regain form quickly to secure their postseason berth.Charlotte’s victory solidifies their standing as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
