Lewandowski and Casemiro extend scoring runs as Inter Miami draw with Chicago Fire

Inter Miami were held to a second successive Major League Soccer draw after a 1-1 stalemate with Chicago Fire in the early hours of Thursday.

Robert Lewandowski put the hosts in front after only 10 minutes, scoring his third consecutive goal for Chicago Fire. The Polish forward took advantage of the early opportunity to give his side the lead and put Inter Miami on the back foot.

Inter Miami responded immediately after half-time. Casemiro equalised in the 48th minute, heading Lionel Messi’s delivery into the net from a corner to restore parity.

The goal extended Casemiro’s own scoring sequence to three successive matches for Inter Miami. His latest effort ensured that the visitors avoided defeat, although they were unable to complete a comeback and claim all three points.

The result also continued Chicago Fire’s run of draws. They have now finished level in each of their past four matches.

There was tension between Lewandowski and several Inter Miami players during the game. Rodrigo De Paul became involved in a confrontation with the Chicago Fire forward as tempers flared between the two sides.

Inter Miami now have 44 points from 24 matches and remain nine points behind Nashville, who lead the Eastern Conference standings. Chicago Fire sit fourth with 39 points.

Inter Miami’s next fixture will be at home to Nashville in the early hours of Sunday. The match will provide them with another opportunity to reduce the gap to the Eastern Conference leaders after dropping points for a second consecutive league game.

The Major League Soccer play-off format sends the top seven teams from each conference directly through to the round of 16. Teams finishing eighth and ninth in each conference must instead contest a play-in round for a place in the knockout stage.

The draw means both sides retain strong positions in the race for the post-season, but neither was able to take full advantage of the other’s dropped points. Lewandowski’s early goal and Casemiro’s second-half header ensured that the attacking records of both players continued, while the final score reflected a contest in which the teams shared the chances and the points.