Welcome to Sportstar’s detailed highlights of the Major League Soccer (MLS) clash between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF, played on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Pre-Match Buildup: A Clash of Titans at TQL Stadium
The stage was set for an electrifying showdown at TQL Stadium, with FC Cincinnati hosting Inter Miami in a crucial MLS Round 23 fixture. Cincinnati, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 22 matches (13 wins, 3 draws, 6 losses), were eager to rebound from a 4-2 defeat to rivals Columbus Crew in their previous outing. The Orange and Blue, under the guidance of head coach Pat Noonan, boasted an unbeaten home record (7 wins, 3 draws in their last 10 home games) and were determined to leverage their passionate home support to reclaim their spot at the top of the table.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, arrived in Cincinnati riding a five-game winning streak in MLS play, led by new head coach Javier Mascherano. The Herons, sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points (11 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses), had only one loss on the road this season and were fresh off a 3-2 victory over Nashville SC, where Lionel Messi scored twice. With stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in their ranks, Inter Miami were a formidable force, but their defensive inconsistencies were a concern heading into this matchup.
The head-to-head history added intrigue to the fixture. FC Cincinnati had dominated Inter Miami at TQL Stadium, winning their last three MLS home games against the Herons, including a historic 6-1 thrashing on July 6, 2024. However, Inter Miami had won their most recent encounter, a 2-0 victory in August 2024. With both teams vying for supremacy in the Eastern Conference, this match promised high stakes and intense action.
The TQL Stadium crowd was electric, with fans encouraged to participate in a “Blue Out” to drown out the visitors. Gates opened at 6:00 p.m. ET, and the pre-match festivities included a high-energy march from Washington Park to the stadium, led by The Bailey, Cincinnati’s passionate supporter group. Fans entering the stadium received FC Cincinnati flags, setting the tone for a vibrant atmosphere. 
First Half: Cincinnati Strike Early, Inter Miami Struggle
Kickoff and Early Pressure (0’–15’)
The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET under the lights of TQL Stadium, with referee Lukasz Szpala overseeing the proceedings. FC Cincinnati, donning their iconic orange and blue kits, lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Evander operating as the creative hub behind strikers Gerardo Valenzuela and Kei Kamara. Inter Miami opted for a 4-4-2 setup, with Messi and Suárez leading the line, supported by Diego Allende and Jordi Alba on the flanks.
Cincinnati wasted no time asserting their dominance. From the opening whistle, the Orange and Blue controlled possession, pressing high and exploiting the flanks with wingbacks Luca Orellano and DeAndre Yedlin. The home side’s intensity was palpable, with the TQL Stadium crowd roaring their approval. Inter Miami, despite their star-studded lineup, struggled to find rhythm, with Busquets and midfield partner Federico Redondo unable to break Cincinnati’s high press.
Goal! Cincinnati 1-0 Inter Miami (Valenzuela, 16’)
The breakthrough came in the 16th minute, and it was a moment of brilliance from Cincinnati’s dynamic duo. Luca Orellano, showcasing his flair on the right flank, danced past Jordi Alba with a series of stepovers, leaving the Inter Miami defender in his wake. Orellano’s low, driven cross found Gerardo Valenzuela in the box, who controlled the ball expertly before firing a precise shot into the far corner past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The TQL Stadium erupted as Cincinnati took a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal galvanized Cincinnati, who continued to dominate possession (46.7% to Inter Miami’s 53.3% by halftime) and create dangerous chances. Evander tested Ustari with a long-range effort in the 20th minute, but the Argentine goalkeeper parried it away. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s attack looked disjointed, with Messi unable to find space against Cincinnati’s robust defense, anchored by Matthew Miazga and Miles Robinson.
Ustari Injury Blow for Inter Miami (25’–30’)
Inter Miami’s woes deepened in the 26th minute when goalkeeper Oscar Ustari went down clutching his leg after a collision with Valenzuela. The medical staff attended to the Argentine, but he was unable to continue, forcing a substitution. Young goalkeeper Facundo Ríos Novo entered the game, making his first appearance of the season. The change disrupted Inter Miami’s rhythm further, as Ríos Novo took time to settle.
A cooling break followed shortly after, giving both teams a chance to regroup. Cincinnati maintained their pressure, with Evander and Pavel Bucha dictating play in midfield. Inter Miami had a rare chance in the 32nd minute when Messi found Allende in the final third, but the winger’s shot was blocked by Miazga. Cincinnati responded with another long-range effort from Orellano, which sailed just wide.
Halftime: Cincinnati 1-0 Inter Miami
The referee blew for halftime after six minutes of added time, with Cincinnati holding a 1-0 lead. The Orange and Blue had been the better side, capitalizing on their early chance and maintaining control through disciplined defending and dynamic wing play. Inter Miami, despite holding slightly more possession, failed to register a shot on goal, with Messi and Suárez largely neutralized. The stats at the break told the story: Cincinnati had one shot on goal and one corner kick, while Inter Miami had zero shots on goal and zero corners.
Second Half: Evander’s Brace Seals the Deal
Cincinnati Double Their Lead (50’)
The second half began with Cincinnati picking up where they left off. Just five minutes after the restart, Evander doubled the home side’s advantage with a moment of individual brilliance. The Brazilian midfielder, receiving the ball in a crowded penalty area, shrugged off challenges from Busquets and Redondo before tumbling to the ground. Despite losing his balance, Evander managed to poke the ball past Ríos Novo, who was caught off guard. The TQL Stadium crowd erupted once again as Cincinnati took a commanding 2-0 lead.
The goal marked Evander’s fourth consecutive game with a goal, underlining his status as one of Cincinnati’s standout performers this season. The former Vasco player’s work rate and creativity were proving too much for Inter Miami’s defense, which looked increasingly disorganized.
Inter Miami Push Back, But Cincinnati Hold Firm (55’–65’)
Inter Miami responded with urgency, with Messi dropping deeper to orchestrate play. In the 62nd minute, Jordi Alba found Allende on the right, but the winger’s cross was intercepted by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who was having a solid game. Cincinnati’s defense, led by Miazga and Robinson, remained resolute, thwarting every attempt by Inter Miami to penetrate.
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Cincinnati nearly added a third in the 65th minute when Kei Kamara headed a cross from Yedlin just over the bar. The Orange and Blue were relentless, using their 3-4-1-2 formation to exploit the flanks and stretch Inter Miami’s defense. Meanwhile, Mascherano made a double substitution, bringing on Diego Gómez and Julian Gressel to inject fresh energy, but Cincinnati’s high press continued to disrupt their rhythm.
Goal! Cincinnati 3-0 Inter Miami (Evander, 70’)
The dagger came in the 70th minute, as Evander struck again to put the game beyond Inter Miami’s reach. A swift counterattack saw Orellano release Valenzuela down the left, who cut the ball back to Evander on the edge of the box. The Brazilian took a touch before unleashing a powerful low drive that beat Ríos Novo at his near post. The goal, Evander’s second of the night and his fifth in as many games, set a new FC Cincinnati record for consecutive matches with a goal, cementing his status as the match’s standout performer.
The TQL Stadium faithful chanted Evander’s name as Inter Miami’s defense crumbled. The Herons’ star-studded lineup, including Messi, Suárez, and Busquets, looked shell-shocked, unable to cope with Cincinnati’s intensity and tactical discipline.
Inter Miami’s Late Push Falls Short (75’–90’)
With the scoreline at 3-0, Inter Miami threw everything forward in a desperate attempt to salvage something from the game. Messi nearly pulled one back in the 77th minute, curling a free-kick just wide of Celentano’s post. Suárez also had a chance in the 81st minute, but his header from a Gómez cross was comfortably saved by Celentano. Cincinnati’s defense, backed by a vocal home crowd, stood firm, with Miazga and Robinson winning every aerial duel.
Cincinnati made substitutions to see out the game, bringing on Alvas Powell and Sergio Santos to bolster their defense and add fresh legs. Inter Miami’s final chance came in the 85th minute when Messi played a through ball to Suárez, but Celentano was quick off his line to smother the danger. The referee added six minutes of stoppage time, but Cincinnati remained in control, comfortably seeing out the match.
Full Time: Cincinnati 3-0 Inter Miami
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory for FC Cincinnati, with goals from Gerardo Valenzuela (16’) and Evander (50’, 70’) sealing a dominant performance. The Orange and Blue outclassed their opponents, ending Inter Miami’s five-game winning streak and handing Lionel Messi his first goalless game in six matches. The final stats reflected Cincinnati’s superiority: 6 shots on goal to Inter Miami’s 2, 11 total shot attempts to 10, and a disciplined defensive display with 3 saves and just one yellow card.
Post-Match Analysis: Cincinnati’s Tactical Triumph
FC Cincinnati’s victory was a masterclass in tactical execution and home dominance. Pat Noonan’s 3-4-1-2 formation allowed the Orange and Blue to control the flanks, with Orellano and Yedlin stretching Inter Miami’s defense. Evander’s brace and playmaking were pivotal, earning him the Man of the Match award. The Brazilian’s ability to score, create, and disrupt Inter Miami’s midfield highlighted his importance to Cincinnati’s title aspirations. Valenzuela’s early goal set the tone, while the defensive solidity of Miazga, Robinson, and Celentano ensured a clean sheet against one of MLS’s most potent attacks.
Inter Miami, despite their star power, were outplayed in every department. Messi, who had scored six goals in his last three games, was effectively shackled by Cincinnati’s defense, managing just one shot off target. The loss of goalkeeper Ustari early in the game disrupted their rhythm, and Mascherano’s side struggled to adapt to Cincinnati’s high press. The Herons’ defensive frailties, which had been a concern earlier in the season, were exposed once again, raising questions about their consistency away from home.
The result moved FC Cincinnati to 42 points, keeping them in second place in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind leaders Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami remained in fourth with 38 points, with games in hand but a dent in their momentum.
Key Moments
16’: Gerardo Valenzuela opens the scoring after a dazzling run and cross from Luca Orellano. Cincinnati 1-0 Inter Miami.
26’: Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari is forced off with an injury, replaced by Facundo Ríos Novo.
50’: Evander doubles Cincinnati’s lead with a gritty finish in the box, capitalizing on poor defending.
70’: Evander scores his second, a powerful low drive, to make it 3-0 and seal the victory.
77’: Messi’s free-kick sails just wide, Inter Miami’s best chance of the game.
FT: Cincinnati cruise to a 3-0 win, with Evander’s brace and a solid defensive display ending Inter Miami’s winning streak.
Player Ratings
FC Cincinnati:
Evander: 9/10 – Two goals, relentless work rate, and a record-breaking performance.
Gerardo Valenzuela: 8/10 – Clinical finish and constant threat.
Luca Orellano: 8/10 – Electric on the wing, assisted the opener.
Matthew Miazga: 7.5/10 – Rock-solid in defense, neutralized Messi and Suárez.
Roman Celentano: 7.5/10 – Confident in goal, made crucial saves.
Inter Miami:
Lionel Messi: 5/10 – Quiet by his standards, unable to influence the game.
Luis Suárez: 5/10 – Isolated and ineffective in attack.
Jordi Alba: 5/10 – Struggled defensively, especially against Orellano.
Facundo Ríos Novo: 5.5/10 – Tough debut, no chance on the goals.
What’s Next?
FC Cincinnati head to Salt Lake City to face Real Salt Lake on July 19, 2025, looking to build on this emphatic win. Inter Miami return to Chase Stadium to face FC Cincinnati again on July 26, 2025, in a quick rematch that will test their ability to bounce back. Both teams will also prepare for the upcoming Leagues Cup, with Cincinnati facing Chivas de Guadalajara and Inter Miami taking on Atlas FC.
Where to Watch Highlights
Fans can catch full match highlights and replays on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, with no blackouts in over 100 countries. Local radio commentary by Tom Gelehrter and Kevin McCloskey is also available on the Apple TV app. For more updates, visit fccincinnati.com or follow @FCCincinnati on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
FC Cincinnati delivered a statement performance, outclassing Inter Miami in a 3-0 rout that showcased their title credentials. Evander’s brace and Valenzuela’s early strike, combined with a disciplined defensive display, ensured a memorable night at TQL Stadium. For Inter Miami, this heavy defeat serves as a wake-up call as they look to regroup ahead of a busy summer schedule. The Orange and Blue faithful will savor this victory, as their team continues to shine in the MLS 2025 season.
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