D.C. United rallied a comeback from a two-goal deficit but ultimately fell short 2-1 to Inter Miami CF on March 7 at M&T Bank Stadium. Forward Tai Baribo pulled one back in the 75th minute with an electrifying finish from the center of the box, sparking a late push from the black-and-red United in front of a sellout crowd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think we all know we didn\u2019t start our best at all. It\u2019s hard when you go down 2-0 to such a good team, but I think the whole second half we were the better team,\u201d said midfielder Jackson Hopkins. \u201cWe responded really well and created a lot of chances, and we probably could have had two or three if we finished our chances in the first half. I\u2019m proud of the way we all responded, but we know we gotta be sharper and more awake at the beginning.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reigning MLS Cup champions, Inter Miami CF, secured a road victory with goals from defensive midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and team captain Lionel Messi. De Paul opened the scoring effect in the 17th minute, netting his first goal of the season. Messi extended the team\u2019s advantage in the 27th minute, adding a second goal that put Miami ahead 2-0. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
United showed resilience throughout the second half, creating several opportunities as they pushed to level the match in their favor. Chances from strikers Louis Munteanu, Hopkins, and centre back Lucas Barlett pressured Miami\u2019s defense in the final minutes, bringing tremendous excitement for Washington fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the end of the first half, we were lucky because we gave them a lot of space to play the counterattacks. I told the team, \u2018Hey, don\u2019t lose the head. Don\u2019t play another style of game,\u2019\u201d said D.C. United Head Coach Ren\u00e9 Weiler. \u201cWe have to play properly and simple, and we have to search for the first goal. At the end, it was a good second half, and that is the positive part.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
United forward Baribo scored the team\u2019s lone goal in the 75th minute, marking his second in black and red, while playing the full 90 minutes. Midfielder Jo\u00e3o Peglow created two scoring opportunities and won six ground duels over the course of the match.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n