In the opening minutes of last night’s Inter Miami versus Chicago showdown, Lionel Messi’s squad fell behind after a viral misstep by keeper Rocco Ríos Novo. The mishap captured the spirit of the domestic soccer revival that followed the 2026 World Cup, and it’s a welcome relief that the Premier League will be back on screens in less than a month.
During the play, Inter Miami’s right‑back passed the ball back to Novo under pressure. Instead of clearing it safely, Novo attempted a one‑time kick with the outside of his right foot, missing spectacularly. The ball simply rolled into the net, giving Chicago the lead, while Novo’s teammates offered him smiles and pats to ease the embarrassment.
The error was even more glaring than Matt Freese’s costly mistake in the USMNT’s match against Belgium, where he over‑complicated a simple clearance, further denting the U.S.’s World Cup campaign. Freese was booed during his MLS return with NYCFC, yet his side still secured a 2‑1 victory over Columbus.
Despite the lapse, Novo’s team still clinched a 3‑2 win over Chicago, but the incident gave fans a perfect platform to mock MLS’s post‑World Cup mantra, “We’ll take it from here.” The jibe was amplified by a commercial featuring Inter Miami co‑owner David Beckham, who urged first‑time U.S. World Cup viewers to keep enjoying soccer by filling the void left by the tournament’s end with local MLS action.
Major MLS clubs are reporting significant boosts in both ticket sales and television audiences as the league resumes its season on July 22.
Fans who are tuning in notice that the league’s quality and flair are improving, yet there remains a surprising amount of room for growth.
The Philadelphia Union finally ended their home losing streak with a 3‑1 win over the New York Red Bulls, though they still sit at the bottom of the 30‑team standings. Their only trajectory is upward, and perhaps the league’s motto should reflect that relentless pursuit of progress.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the own goal in the Inter Miami vs Chicago match?
During the opening minutes, Inter Miami’s right‑back passed the ball back to keeper Rocco Ríos Novo under pressure. Instead of clearing it safely, Novo attempted a one‑time kick with the outside of his right foot, missing spectacularly and allowing the ball to roll straight into the net.
How did the Premier League’s quick resumption after the 2026 World Cup affect U.S. soccer exposure?
The Premier League’s rapid return just weeks after the World Cup is part of a deliberate strategy to maintain high‑level soccer exposure in the U.S., which is expected to boost broadcast viewership, advertising revenue, and cross‑league fan engagement.
What was the reaction of Rocco Ríos Novo and his teammates after the mistake?
Novo’s teammates offered him smiles and pats to ease the embarrassment, showing support despite the embarrassing error. The incident also became a platform for fans to mock MLS’s post‑World Cup mantra, “We’ll take it from here.”
News Source: Kotaku
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