Full Breakdown
Inter Miami Edges Chicago Fire 3-2 in Lewandowski’s MLS Debut Amid Own-Goal Drama
7/24/2026, 2:38:06 PM
Core Event: Inter Miami defeats Chicago Fire 3-2
On July 22, 2026, Inter Miami CF (10-2-4, 34 points) beat Chicago Fire FC (8-5-2, 26 points) 3-2 at Miami’s Nu Stadium. The Fire took an early 1-0 lead when Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo mishandled a back-pass from defender Ian Fray, allowing the ball to roll under his legs for an own goal in the 18th minute. Miami responded with a penalty conversion by Luis Suárez in the 27th minute and a second Suárez strike five minutes into the second half. Chicago equalised through Puso Dithejane in the 67th minute, but Preston Plambeck scored his first MLS goal in the 87th minute to secure the win.
Background & Context
The match opened the first slate of MLS fixtures after the league’s six-week World Cup hiatus. Inter Miami entered without Argentine stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul, who were granted rest following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. The game also marked the MLS debut of Robert Lewandowski, the 37-year-old former Bayern Munich striker who signed with Chicago on June 29.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Inter Miami 3, Chicago Fire 2
- Own goal: Ríos Novo (18’)
- Goals: Suárez (27’, 51’), Plambeck (87’) – Miami; Dithejane (67’) – Chicago
- Shots: Miami 14, Chicago 15; Shots on goal: Miami 7, Chicago 4
- Passing accuracy: Miami 87.3 %, Chicago 86.7 %
On-the-Ground Report
The opening own goal unfolded when a slow, rolling pass from Ian Fray reached Ríos Novo, who attempted a first-touch clearance. The ball slipped between his legs and crossed the goal line, giving Chicago an unexpected lead less than 20 minutes into the match. Broadcasters described the moment as a “disaster,” underscoring the rarity of such errors in MLS play.
What’s Next
Chicago Fire’s next scheduled match is against New York City FC on July 25, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Yankee Stadium.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I believe, and I've said this several times, that rest is vital. It's part of an individual's growth and development,” — Guillermo Hoyos, miami manager
