Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez scored stunning goals as Inter Miami secured their second away win in five days with a 2-0 triumph at Real Salt Lake last night.
De Paul curled in the opener with eight minutes to go and Suarez rolled back the years with a brilliant volley a minute later as Miami continued to thrive under interim boss Guillermo Hoyos.
Hoyos won his first game in charge following the departure of Javier Mascherano at the Colorado Rapids on Saturday and the victory in Utah saw his side move up to second in the Eastern Conference, a point behind Nashville SC having played a game more.
Suarez takes centre stage from Messi
Lionel Messi scored twice at the weekend but, for once, he was overshadowed against Salt Lake with two of his high-profile team-mates taking centre stage.
Hoyos was particularly pleased for former Liverpool and Barcelona star Suarez, who came on in the 75th minute and is now, aged 39, more of an impact player than a regular starter.
“I don’t think it was just a goal; it was a ‘golazo,’” Hoyos said about Suarez’s strike. “When you have players of this calibre, it is only natural that they might get frustrated when they find themselves on the bench. But here, there wasn’t a hint of that kind of attitude.”
De Paul praises super Suarez
De Paul was also quick to praise the Uruguayan’s attitude.
“Suárez is truly exceptional. It’s evident in the manner in which he scored his goal,” De Paul said. “There is a great lesson to be learned from this, as it can sometimes be tough for players who are legends of the game when they don’t get to play.”
Messi still showed glimpses of his brilliance and Hoyos was pleased with the Argentina captain’s impact.
He added: ”I would have loved to see Leo score a goal, or two, or even three, given the numerous chances he had. But ultimately, other team-mates found the net. Suárez’s goal makes me incredibly happy because he had been working so hard. He had his opportunity and converted it. Rodri did the same. Two absolute stunners.”
Miami return home this weekend when they take on the New England Revolution on Saturday night.
