WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez each provided assists as reigning champion Inter Miami cruised to a 2-0 home MLS win over New York City FC on Wednesday.
Suarez's inch-perfect cross set up German Berterame's opener and Messi then squared the ball for Rodrigo De Paul, who rifled a shot past goalkeeper Matt Freese.
New York City often troubled Inter Miami on the counterattack and was denied by a series of sharp saves from goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
The visitors squandered a chance to pull a goal back when Argentine forward Nicolas Fernandez missed a penalty attempt in second-half stoppage time.
The result leaves Inter Miami second in the Eastern Conference with 52 points, 14 behind leader Nashville. New York City is 10th in the 15-team standings with 33 points. ■
