D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami: Hopkins’ Wonder Strike Not Enough as Winless Streak Reaches 12

Washington, D.C. — Even without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami managed to leave Audi Field with a point after a spirited second-half response earned them a 1-1 draw against D.C. United on Saturday night.

Head coach Javier Mascherano made eight changes to the side that played midweek, fielding a reshuffled XI that included Ryan Sailor, 'Chelo' Weigandt, and Noah Allen in defense, David Ruiz, Fafa Picault, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Tomás Avilés in midfield, and Rocco Ríos-Novo in goal. Across the pitch, René Weiler’s D.C. United kept things steady, making only two switches from their defeat to Montreal — Lucas Bartlett and Hosei Kijima replacing Lukas MacNaughton and Christian Benteke.

Hopkins Leads the Way

United struck first, and fittingly, it came through Jackson Hopkins, wearing the captain’s armband for the night. The 19-year-old found the net with a spectacular strike in the first half, underlining the promise that Weiler had praised earlier in the week. It was one of only two shots on target for United before halftime, but it gave them a deserved lead after a disciplined display.

“We played as a team, defended forward, and created some chances to score a second,” Weiler said post-match. “The togetherness I liked so much.”

Mascherano Pulls the Strings

Miami offered little before the break, failing to register a single shot on goal. But Mascherano wasted no time in shaking things up. Just ten minutes into the second half, he sent on Sergio Busquets, Baltasar Rodríguez, and De Paul, later adding Luis Suárez.

The changes transformed the game. Miami pressed higher, controlled possession, and forced United deeper. Rodríguez provided the breakthrough in the 64th minute, with a world-class strike.

“From the start of the second half we improved,” Mascherano said. “The substitutions gave us a step forward — we were more intense, reacting quickly with our pressure after losing the ball. We played the entire second half in the opponent’s half.”

The Controversy

The defining flashpoint came in the 77th minute when substitute Jacob Murrell looked to have restored United’s lead, pouncing inside the box to send Audi Field into celebration. But the flag was up. Afterward, referees explained the decision after a pool report question was submitted: Murrell had been in an offside position, and the two deflections off Miami players were not deemed deliberate plays of the ball. By the time the second touch occurred, he had already interfered with an opponent.

The goal was chalked off, and with it went United’s best chance at ending their drought.

Weiler’s Reality Check

United never managed another shot on goal after halftime, and Weiler didn’t sugarcoat why.“We played against a very strong team. Lack of quality — we do not have the same players that Miami have,” the Swiss coach admitted.

Still, he praised Hopkins’ “amazing goal” and highlighted Aaron Herrera’s adaptation to a more advanced role, pointing to his technical ability and crossing as assets further up field. Despite elimination from playoff contention, Weiler insisted the mood in the dressing room was positive: “It was a good game against a strong team. We have a good structure, and everybody’s more or less happy.” D.C. United has now missed the play-offs for the sixth consecutive season. Chicago Fire FC holds the longest active playoff drought with seven (7) consecutive seasons.

Looking Ahead

For Miami, the draw was another test of depth as they continue to balance MLS play and cup competition. They now shift focus to Wednesday’s Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City at Chase Stadium.

United, meanwhile, remain mired in a 12-game winless streak and must now turn their attention to a difficult trip to Yankee Stadium, where they will face New York City FC next Saturday.

Final Score: D.C. United 1, Inter Miami CF 1

Attendance: 19,365