Inter Miami 4-3 Toronto FC: Player ratings as Jordi Alba's four assists send Herons to Round of 16

Jordi Alba's four assists propelled Inter Miami to a 4-3 triumph over Toronto FC in the Leagues Cup Round of 32.

A terrible switch of play from Federico Bernardeschi gave the hosts a golden opportunity at goal inside the opening two minutes. Matias Rojas intercepted the Italian's back pass -- that was traveling across his own goal -- and headed it into Luis Suarez's path but El Pistolero was unable to get enough power behind his shot to fully test Sean Johnson.

However, Miami made sure to make their next chance count. Jordi Alba sent in an inviting cross that just went over Federico Redondo's head and fell to Rojas -- who was all alone to the right of Johnson's goal. Rojas took a touch before firing a half-volley past Johnson in the far bottom corner to put the hosts up early on.

The Herons continued to put the pressure on the Toronto defense as Jordi Alba kept finding space behind Toronto's right-back Henry Wingo. Alba got onto a lofted through-ball from Sergio Busquets, and the veteran full-back played Diego Gomez through on goal as the Paraguay international found the back of the net from distance with a powerful strike.

Everything was falling into place for Miami with a 2-0 lead in 12 minutes of action. That is, until Marcelo 'Chelo' Weigandt brought down Derrick Etienne Jr. in his own box with a late challenge as he swung on hos left leg after being ran past. Lorenzo Insigne stepped up and slotted home the penalty attempt from 12 yards out to bring the score to 2-1 in south Florida.

A fourth goal in the first half was scored when Suarez made sure to make up for his missed change early on. Alba grabbed his third assist of the night with a curling over-the-top pass into Suarez's path as Miami's No. 9 finished it off with a calm and composed chip past Johnson.

Just minutes after Miami established their two-goal lead, defender Hector Martinez pushed over Prince Osei Owusu -- who was through on goal -- just outside of his own box. Martinez's decision to push over Owusu saw him receive a red card, and Insigne just about pulled one back with a brilliant free kick -- but Drake Callender's outstretched right arm denied the Italian from doing so.

Even though Alba was heading into halftime with a hat trick of assists, he committed a grave error on the defensive end with minutes remaining in the first half. Owusu was through the Miami penalty box with Busquets closing him down when Alba tackled the Toronto forward from behind -- and everyone in Chase Stadium immediately knew that it was going to be a penalty.

Insigne stepped up again to bag his second of the night from the penalty spot and bring the score to 3-2 just before halftime.

The Herons reinstated their two-goal advantage after a well-worked goal just before the 60th minute. The likes of Federico Redondo, Suarez, Alba and Rojas were passing the ball around the Toronto penalty area and it fell to Rojas outside of the box. The 28-year-old sent in a sizzling, curling strike with his favored left foot to make it 4-2 in favor of Miami.

Toronto managed to pull one back once again just before the 80th minute mark to make things interesting in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Insigne sent in a tempting cross that Owusu got on the end of with a headed effort past Callender to make it 4-3 in the latter stages of the match.

Miami managed to hold on for the 4-3 win after a tense ending to the match. The Herons' dream to repeat as Leagues Cup champions is still alive as the team advanced to the last 16 and they'll hope that the legendary Lionel Messi will return to action soon.

Inter Miami player ratings ( 4-3-3 )

GK: Drake Callender - 7/10 - Wasn't his fault that two of his defenders gave away penalties. Did well to keep out Insigne's free kick and was called to action a few times in the second half.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt - 5/10 - Limited going forward and wasn't all too impressive on the defensive end as he gave away a penalty.

CB: Tomas Aviles - 7/10 - Solid overall and was unfortunate to pick up an injury in the second half.

CB: Hector Martinez - 5/10 - Was enjoying a solid first half until he was sent off for taking down Owusu just outside the Miami penalty area.

LB: Jordi Alba - 9/10 - Alba was just about perfect with his four assists outside of taking down Owusu in his own box in the first half.

CM: Matias Rojas - 8/10 - The Paraguay international displayed good awareness and anticipation that helped set him up for the opening goal. Got the fans at Chase Stadium off their seat in the second half with a long-range stunner.

CM: Sergio Busquets - 7/10 - Commanded the midfield for most of the first half before dropping back into defense after Martinez was sent off. Helped set up Gomez's strike with a perfect through ball to Alba.

CM: Federico Redondo - 7/10 - Helped create space for Rojas' goal by dragging a defender toward the center of the Toronto penalty area. Looked comfortable in possession alongside Busquets and Rojas.

RW: Julian Gressel - 6/10 - It was a quiet night for Gressel who didn't get many opportunities on the ball and was taken off at the break.

ST: Luis Suarez - 7/10 - Suarez made up for his early missed chance by chipping Johnson later on to extend Miami's lead.

LW: Diego Gomez - 7/10 - In his first game back from the Olympic games, Gomez shined with a stunning goal from distance to play his part in the win.

Substitutes

SUB: Yannick Bright (46' for Gressel) - 7/10 - Was everywhere after coming on in the second half, playing quick passes in the middle of the park while also making a couple of vital blocks at the back.

SUB: Noah Allen (71' for Aviles) - 5/10 - Was out-jumped by Owusu for Toronto's third goal.

SUB: Leo Campana (80' for Suarez) - N/A

SUB: David Ruiz (80' for Rojas) - N/A

SUB: Benjamin Cremaschi (80' for Gomez) - N/A

Manager

Gerardo 'Tata' Martino - 8/10 - Martino set Miami up for success with arguably their strongest XI without Messi. If it wasn't for a couple of lapses in concentration by Martinez and Alba, the match more than likely would've been a comfortable victory for the hosts.

Player of the match - Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)