Inter Miami continued their impressive run in Major League Soccer with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CF Montreal on Saturday, as Luis Suarez`s late penalty sealed the win in a match overshadowed by a serious head injury to teammate German Berterame.
The result extended Miami`s winning streak to six matches despite the continued absence of Lionel Messi, who is still recovering after Argentina`s World Cup campaign. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro also made his long-awaited debut for the club following his recent move from Manchester United.
The breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Suarez calmly converted from the penalty spot after Berterame was brought down in a violent aerial collision inside the penalty area.
The Mexican international suffered a frightening clash of heads with Montreal defender Efrain Morales while challenging for the ball. Berterame collapsed to the ground and remained motionless as players from both teams urgently called for medical assistance.
Following lengthy treatment on the pitch, the striker was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos later confirmed that Berterame had regained consciousness and was in stable condition.
"He is OK and conscious," Hoyos told reporters. "His family has been informed of everything. We didn`t know what to do—it was a very desperate situation."
After scoring the winning goal, Suarez held up Berterame`s jersey in an emotional tribute to his injured teammate.
The goal also continued the Uruguayan striker`s outstanding recent form. Suarez has now scored six goals in his last three MLS matches, taking his tally for the season to nine.
Casemiro, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid and a veteran of 91 appearances for Brazil, played his first match for Inter Miami after joining the club earlier this week.
The experienced midfielder controlled play in central midfield throughout the contest, although neither side managed to create many clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Messi and fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul were both absent for a second consecutive MLS fixture after featuring in last weekend`s World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Earlier on Saturday, MLS confirmed that Messi would also be excused from next week`s MLS All-Star Game to allow him additional recovery time following the World Cup.
Miami have now won both league matches since MLS resumed after the tournament and sit just two points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville, who suffered a 1-0 defeat against Orlando City.
Elsewhere, Chicago Fire`s difficult spell under new signing Robert Lewandowski continued as they were beaten 3-1 by New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Agustin Ojeda, Nicolas Fernandez and Malachi Jones scored for New York City, while Joel Waterman netted Chicago`s only goal, leaving Lewandowski still searching for his first victory since arriving from Barcelona.
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