Inter Miami's road in the Concacaf Champions Cup has come to an end as they were run out of Mexico following a 3-1 loss to Monterrey in their quarterfinal second leg. The Herons lost 5-2 on aggregate to Rayados in what Tata Martino deemed their most important competition of the season, with their failure to win the cup costing them a trip to the Club World Cup. Lionel Messi made his return to the starting XI for the match but it wasn't enough, as he had just one shot on target.
Miami's loss now means that the Columbus Crew are the only Major League Soccer team remaining in the Champions Cup alongside Monterrey, Pachuca, and Club America. The Herons didn't put up a fight as it seemed like they were on tired legs and went flat after a Drake Callender giveaway led to Brandon Vazquez scoring the opener in the 31st minute.
Robert Taylor, David Ruiz and Serhiy Kryvtsov all missed the match due to injuries or suspension leaving Martino without clear changes to make once they went behind. The frustration was showing by the end as Jordi Alba received two yellow cards in four minutes forcing Miami to finish the match with 10 men.
What does this mean for the Herons?
Now out of Champions Cup and not participating in the U.S. Open Cup, the Herons will now have to focus on the league and Leagues Cup for trophies. Their next match is Saturday against Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.
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