DC United hands Inter Miami fifth straight defeat, 2-1

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Christian Benteke scored an insurance goal in the 90th minute that proved to be the difference as D.C. United held off Inter Miami 2-1 on Saturday night.

Benteke used an assist from Victor Pálsson to score his eighth goal of the season, giving DC United (6-6-5) a 2-0 lead.

It was the difference in picking up three points after 20-year-old defender Ian Fray took a pass from Robert Taylor in the second minute of stoppage and scored his first career goal in his fifth appearance for Inter Miami (5-11-0).

Neither team scored until United defender Donovan Pines found the net for the third time this season, scoring unassisted in the 76th minute.

Inter Miami lost its fifth straight match. The club’s struggles continued under interim manager Javier Morales, who was handed the reins after Phil Neville was fired earlier in the week.

DC United improves to 4-1-1 all-time in the series and 2-0-1 in road matches with Inter Miami. United got back in the wins column after struggling to a 1-3-3 record in May. It was the fourth win in the club’s last 20 road matches in all competitions.

Inter Miami has interim manager Javier Morales after Phil Neville was fired this week with the club losing 10 of its first 15 matches.

Drake Callender turned away four shots in goal for Inter Miami. Tyler Miller did not save a shot for DC United.

DC United travels to play Atlanta United on Saturday. Inter Miami travels to play the New England Revolution on Saturday.

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