Inter Miami Clinches Playoff Spot with Suárez's Early Blitz

Luis Suárez scored twice in the first six minutes to help Inter Miami secure a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati, making them the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season. Inter Miami avenged an earlier 6-1 loss to Cincinnati and moved ahead in the Eastern Conference standings.

Luis Suárez scored just 30 seconds into the match and followed it up with another goal in the sixth minute, sealing a 2-0 win for Inter Miami against FC Cincinnati on Saturday night. This victory cemented Inter Miami's place in the playoffs, making them the first team to clinch a spot this season.

Inter Miami (17-4-5) avenged a heavy 6-1 defeat suffered earlier in the season against Cincinnati and surged eight points ahead of second-place Cincinnati (15-8-3) in both the Eastern Conference and the Supporters' Shield race.

Rookie defender Marcelo Weigandt recorded his first career assist, while fellow rookie Yaniick Bright provided another assist just 30 seconds into the match. Suárez, with his 15th goal in 15 starts, was helped by rookie midfielder Matías Rojas for a 2-0 lead.

Despite playing a man down from the 42nd minute after defender Tomás Avilés received his second yellow card, Inter Miami held strong. Goalkeeper Drake Callender turned away six shots for his fifth clean sheet of the season, quelling Cincinnati's offense effectively.

Cincinnati's goalkeeper Roman Celentano managed one save, but it wasn't enough to stop their four-game losing streak. Head coach Pat Noonan was suspended, missing the match due to a previous red-card offense.

Next up, Cincinnati will face CF Montreal at home, while Inter Miami heads to Chicago to play the Fire.

(With inputs from agencies.)