Luis Suarez nets rapid-fire brace to lead Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami to statement win over FC Cincinnati

It really didn't take long. Just seconds into the match, Luis Suarez started the party with his goal just 30 seconds in, giving the Uruguayan the fastest goal in Inter Miami's short history. Inter never looked back.

He wasn't done, though. Suarez made it 2-0 in just the sixth minute, making it a brace before those in attendance could even blink. The goal was Suarez's 18th of the season.

It wasn't smooth sailing for Miami, as a red card just before the half did complicate things. Center-back Tomas Aviles was sent off with a second yellow in the 42nd minute, forcing the Herons to sweat out the second half.

Miami would survive just fine, though, and arguably have the better of the play as the Herons held on to a 2-0 win.

With his 18 goals so far this season, Suarez has now surpassed Gonzalo Higuain for the highest single-season goal total at Inter Miami. The Argentinian previously had the record of 16 during the 2022 MLS season.

Could it be anyone else? Lionel Messi gets all the attention, but Luis Suarez has been Miami's star all season long. he stole the show once again for the Messi-less Herons, keeping their Supporters' Shield push on track.

After a rough-ish start to the season, Aviles had really started to grow into his role in this Miami defense. He can't avoid these dumb mistakes, though. With your team up 2-0 and cruising, you just can't get sent off. Even at just 20 years old, Aviles has to know better.

With the win, Inter Miami further their stranglehold on the Eastern Conference. The Herons now sit eight points ahead of FC Cincinnati and 13 points ahead of the Columbus Crew, who do have three games in hand. Inter now visit the Chicago Fire on Aug. 31.