Daijiworld Media Network – Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Oct 1: Chicago Fire clinched their first Major League Soccer playoff berth since 2017 with a thrilling 5-3 win over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on Tuesday, spoiling the home crowd’s hopes despite a Luis Suarez-inspired fightback.
Miami, playing their sixth game in just 17 days, struggled to cope with Chicago’s pace and energy. Gregg Berhalter’s men raced into a 3-1 lead at half-time, thanks to goals from Dje D’Avilla (11’), Jonathan Dean (31’), and Rominingue Kouame (45’). Miami’s Tomas Aviles briefly reduced the deficit in the 39th minute.
Uruguayan veteran Suarez led Miami’s comeback after the break, striking twice in the 57th and 74th minutes to make it 3-3. But Chicago regained control when Justin Pledger Reynolds tapped home in the 80th minute before U.S. international Brian Gutierrez sealed the victory with a thunderous 25-yard strike in the 83rd.
Despite dominating possession, Miami’s weary defense collapsed under pressure. Chicago’s clinical counterattacks and late goals highlighted Berhalter’s tactical discipline in his return to club management after his U.S. national team exit last year.
“It was an objective of ours to reach the playoffs, and we’ve achieved it with two games left,” Berhalter said post-match. “But for us it’s about continuing to build a strong team that can win.”
The victory not only books Chicago’s postseason return but also signals fresh momentum for the Fire under Berhalter’s leadership.