Rodríguez nets first MLS goal to salvage draw for Inter Miami

Leagues Cup Atlas Inter Miami Soccer Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul dribbles down field as Atlas defender Doria comes on, during the second half of a Leagues Cup group stage soccer match, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

WASHINGTON — Inter Miami traveled to Washington, D.C., on Saturday to face D.C. United.

The Herons were without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to injury.

Stars Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Busquets all started the match on the bench for Inter Miami.

D.C. United struck first in the 13th minute with a goal by Jackson Hopkins.

The Herons showed little energy until Busquets, Suárez and De Paul all subbed on in the second half.

Just after entering the match, De Paul found 22-year-old Baltasar Rodríguez, who scored his first career MLS goal in the 64th minute.

The game remained tied at 1-1 for the rest of regulation.

Inter Miami will face in-state rival Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

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