New York City vs inter Miami CF draw 1-1
Yankee Stadium, Bronx N.Y.,(September 21, 2024) — New York City FC James Sands scored a header from a corner kick in the 95th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw against Messi and Inter Miami on Saturday afternoon.
It was the first goal of Sands’ career, as the Rye, New York native picked the most opportune moment in the 117 game of his career to score.
The score spoiled what could have been a 1-0 victory for Inter Miami after Messi’s playmaking brilliance.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino criticized officiating in the match following the game, including what he believed was a missed foul call on midfielder Yannick Bright before the final goal.
Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba pushed Martins for challenging Messi, and defender Tomas Aviles was persistent in engaging into the action as both received yellow cards.
Shortly after, an Inter Miami assistant coach received an instant red card and ejection from the bench after defender Noah Allen was shown a yellow card for a foul. The ensuing free kick from Sergio Rodriguez hit the wall of defenders, but Luis Suarez then picked up a yellow card for colliding into NYCFC’s Hannes Wolf.
Cushing would turn to his bench in the 81st minute to make a triple change – introducing Mitja Ilenič, Andrés Perea, and Mounsef Bakrar for Gray, Parks, and Martínez.
City would be handed a great chance to equalize in the 87th minute after good work in the channel by Bakrar culmination him winning a loose ball and squaring it inside to Moralez. The Argentine’s clever flick found its way to Rodríguez in space inside the area, but he blazed his effort over.
Further changes for the hosts would arrive as injury time approached with Christian McFarlane and Julián Fernández replacing Kevin O’Toole and Hannes Wolf.
Undeterred by the full-time whistle approaching, City continued to push for an equalizer, and they were finally rewarded deep into stoppage time thanks to James Sands’ first goal for the Club. The midfielder rose highest to meet Rodríguez’s inswinging corner and power a header past Drake Callender to tie the game and secure a point for City
