A game-tying goal in stoppage time from NYCFC's James Sands crossed out go-ahead strike from Miami's Leonardo Campana

NYCFC and USMNT midfielder James Sands scored his first career goal for the Pigeons in the 95th minute against Inter Miami, finding the back of the net with the final touch of the match. The late goal cancelled out a 75th minute strike from the Herons' Leonardo Campana, putting a dent in Miami's pursuit for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield.

Miami rolled out a starting XI featuring both Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, but neither were able to make the magic happen at Yankee Stadium as the Herons attack faltered on the afternoon.

As a result, Miami have now opened up the race for the regular season title, with this being their second-straight draw of the week. Sitting on 64 points, they still hold a nine-point lead over second, but they're now starting to sweat with just four matches left in the campaign.

The match began with a high tempo, with each team having a set piece opportunity within the opening 10 minutes, but neither could finish. After a highly contested opening 45 minutes, the teams went into the halftime break at a deadlock.

Tempers began to flare as the stalemate went on, and in the 63rd minute, the Herons lost their heads. Miami earned six yellow cards across a five-minute span through the 68th minute, highlighted by a double yellow to a staff member on the bench, resulting in his ejection after receiving two cards in a 30-second span.

Miami coach Tata Martino then looked to his bench in an attempt to change the match, bringing on Campana, and the Ecuadorian did just that. A brilliant ball laid across the box buy Jordi Alba found the striker's feet and he tapped home behind Matt Freese, who couldn't do anything about it.

It seemed as though three points were in the cards for Miami, but Sands had other plans. On a late corner kick, the 24-year-old midfielder leaped over every player in the box, smashing home a booming header to score his first-ever MLS goal.

Martino will be frustrated with the performance, and rightfully so, but the Herons lost their composure in multiple moments throughout the contest. If they want to claim the Supporters' Shield, they have to lock in for the remainder of the season.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Yankee Stadium.

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Drake Callender (6/10):

Not much he can do when his defense leaves someone unmarked in the final play of the game. Solid performance overall.

Jordi Alba (5/10):

Registered a nice assist on the goal, but struggled throughout the match to make an impact in transition. Not his best performance.

Noah Allen (6/10):

Impressive defensively, but struggled a bit in progressing the ball forward. Completed just 5 of 13 long balls while trying to play out the back.

Tomas Aviles (6/10):

Beaten by Sands on the equalizer, but was otherwise solid.

Ian Fray (7/10):

Put on a passing clinic, impressive in transition. Connected with Alba and Taylor well while keeping Santi Rodriguez at bay.

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Federico Redondo (5/10):

Failed to own the center of the park. Was often out of position, finding himself on the losing side of ground duels.

Yannick Bright (6/10):

Was simply outclassed centrally. Keaton Parks and Sands forced him into uncomfortable moments, although he didn't quite put a foot wrong.

Julian Gressel (5/10):

Operated on the right flank, and expressed versatility all match, but didn't quite make the impact desired. Created one chance.

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Lionel Messi (6/10):

Had moments, but failed to spark anything in the attack. Had some unusual giveways, and poor touch marked an anomaly of a performance for the Argentine.

Luis Suarez (5/10):

Wasn't able to make anything happen in the final-third. Picked up a needless yellow for a poor challenge in the second half.

Robert Taylor (5/10):

Struggled to connect in the attack. Was held quiet all game by the NYCFC defense.

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Leonardo Campana (9/10):

Brought on in the 71st minute and scored what, at the time, appeared to be the game-winning goal four minutes later. Instant impact, and a perfect bench cameo.

Benjamin Cremaschi (N/A):

Brought on with about 10 minutes to spare.

Tata Martino (5/10):

The Herons came out with little to no attacking momentum. Their inverted back-five in transition resulted in them sacrificing the middle of the pitch, and cost them as a result. Martino took a risk, and it didn't pay off. They lost control of the game, their mentality and they faltered. Not a great showing.