FORT LAUDERDALE — Luis Suárez scored twice to lead a short-handed Inter Miami past the Chicago Fire, extending the Herons’ winning streak to five games and keeping them atop the Eastern Conference standings.
The 39-year-old Uruguayan striker converted a first-half penalty kick and added a crisp second-half finish to carry Miami against a Chicago side that sat directly behind them in the conference table. Defender Plambeck sealed the result with the decisive goal — his first in MLS.
“Despite my age, I still have the ambition to keep playing soccer,” Suárez told Apple TV in Spanish after the match. “It’s my passion I’ve had since I was a kid. I’ve had to earn everything since I was a kid. I’ll keep giving it my all to keep playing soccer.”
The match also marked the MLS debut of legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who suited up for Chicago. But it was Suárez who commanded the spotlight, reminding the league that age has not dulled his finishing.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, whose signing was made official Wednesday, watched the match alongside Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas. The former Real Madrid standout is set to join a roster that already features Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, giving Miami one of the most decorated midfields in league history.
With five consecutive victories and reinforcements arriving, Inter Miami are positioned to press their advantage in the Eastern Conference as the season enters its second half.