Sawt Falasteen - New York's teen spirit frustrates Messi, Miami

A week after Lionel Messi and Miami were held to the same score by Austin FC in their opening game at their new home, New York's youthful line-up became the latest side to get a result at the same venue.

New York quieted the home crowd after just 15 minutes, when superb work from 18-year-old striker Julian Hall down the right stretched the Miami defence.

Hall dragged away two defenders before squaring for an unmarked Jorge Ruvalcalba who swept a low finish beneath Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.

But Miami drew level on the stroke of half-time when Argentine forward Matero Silvetti finished from close range from Rodrigo De Paul's cross.

Miami looked to be taking control after half time, and defender Maxi Falcon should have made it 2-1 but sent a free header wide of the post from De Paul's corner.

Messi and Silvetti both had chances go begging before Miami took the lead on 55 minutes through Argentine-born Mexico international forward German Berterame.

Berterame collected a pass which deflected off New York's 17-year-old midfielder Adri Mehmeti and shot low to make it 2-1.

New York thought they had equalized midway through the half when Robert Voloder bundled in a low finish only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The New York equalizer finally arrived in the 77th minute, when a twisting turning run inside the area from Hall tormented the Miami defence before he squared to fellow teenager Mehmeti, who slid to finish for 2-2.

Miami pressed furiously in the closing stages, and only a sensational diving save by Ethan Horvath prevented Messi from snatching a winner with a free kick in stoppage time.

The draw leaves Miami in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, four points behind leaders Nashville, 2-1 winners over Charlotte on Saturday.

N.AbuHussein--SF-PST