Good, Bad & Ugly: Messi helps Inter Miami tie Union, end losing streak

Frustrations flare at the end of a fiercely fought match

Inter Miami's losing streak is over, thanks more to Philadelphia's failure to turn chances into points than to anything the Herons did.

The Herons (11-3-6, 39 points) and Union (5-10-5, 20 pts.) played to a 2-2 draw Saturday at Subaru Park, despite the hosts outshooting Inter Miami 18 to 6. The stalemate ended Las Garzas' string of three straight losses and the Union's four-match winning streak against MLS opposition.

Frustration became fisticuffs in second half stoppage time, with Miami's Yannick Bright and Philadelphia's Cavan Sullivan receiving red cards for punching and grabbing one another. The fracas started when Inter Miami right wing back Ian Fray bumped Quinn Sullivan to the ground and stepped across Sullivan as he tried to rise; Sullivan angrily tackled Fray to the ground and players from both teams joined the pushing and shoving.

GOOD -- Messi. The captain helped set up the Herons' first goal, chipping a ball to Luis Suárez that he headed into the path of first-year Heron Dániel Pintér, who scored his first MLS goal in the 21st minute. Five minutes later, Messi scored a solo goal in familiar fashion: start from the right, dribble left and blast a golazo by the opposing goalie. So predictable, but so hard to stop.

BAD -- The midfield. Inter Miami struggled all match -- but especially in the first half -- to win the ball and to maintain possession, never mind connecting the lines. Turnovers led to numerous Union breaks; if Philadelphia's execution and decision-making had been better, this would have been a rout.

UGLY -- Dark arts. Yes, I realize many people believe a little strategic thuggery gives a team a psychological advantage, but to me it's unsportsmanlike and irritating. Soccer fans always were going to hate Inter Miami for its wealth, ambition, and glamour, but players like Suárez, Maxi Falcón, Rodrigo De Paul and, increasingly, Fray, provoking opponents with little jabs, shoves and taunts is disappointing.

Today's best reads

Good, Bad & Ugly: Club León eliminates Inter Miami despite Messi's surprise return

Inter Miami should end speculation, just say 'no' to Neymar Jr.

Union could embarrass Inter Miami's porous defense tonight in Philadelphia

Messi considers a future without his late father

Who is Inter Miami's long-term choice to lead the Herons if it's not Hoyos?