Federico Redondo scored his first and second MLS goals and assisted on another as undermanned Inter Miami CF posted an impressive 3-1 win over visiting Toronto FC on Wednesday night.
Diego Gomez also had a goal and an assist and Julian Gressel contributed his 13th and 14th assists to move into second place in the MLS standings, ahead of injured teammate Lionel Messi.
Drake Callender made three saves and Miami (15-4-5, 50 points) won its fifth of six and moved back past FC Cincinnati atop the Eastern Conference standings and the Supporters' Shield.
Cincinnati defeated Miami 6-1 in the Herons' previous game, but has lost two straight since then, including a 1-0 loss Wednesday night at home to Chicago Fire FC.
Derrick Etienne Jr. pulled one back late for Toronto (8-14-3, 27 points), which has lost seven of eight. First-year coach John Herdman's team began the night in eighth place and in possession of the top wild-card spot in the East but is winless in its last seven MLS road games, a streak that dates back to late April.
Miami's five wins from six games came without Messi, who was with Argentina during its Copa America title run and suffered an ankle ligament injury in Sunday's Copa final that will keep him out indefinitely.
On Wednesday, midfielder Sergio Busquets was also absent through suspension for a red card and centre-back Serhiy Kryvtsov was taken off injured in the 35th minute.
Toronto started as the team closest to full strength, with Lorenzo Insigne converting the first clear chance of the game in the 17th minute and Deandre Kerr wasting a wonderful set-up by Federico Bernardeschi in the 27th.
The Reds were punished 16 minutes later when Redondo found Gomez with a through ball from midfield. Gomez bent to get into position for the free kick and then fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Redondo made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute when he received a pass from Gressel on the right and headed powerfully at the far post, which went into the top left corner.
His second goal and Miami's third came six minutes later after another Gressel cross from the right, although it was Gomez who provided the final pass.
