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Three Up, Three Down: Who shined, who didn’t as Cincinnati ends Inter Miami’s playoff hopes

Five teams remain alive in the quest for the final two Eastern Conference playoff spots, but Inter Miami is not among them. A 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati paired with wins by Charlotte, Montreal and New York Red Bulls eliminated the Herons.

ByKen Garner, Matthew Clark|
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi signs a young fan’s jersey after he was caught running onto the pitch Saturday at DRV PNK Stadium.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi signs a young fan’s jersey after he was caught running onto the pitch Saturday at DRV PNK Stadium. | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Three Up

Drake Callender, B

As usual — and, perhaps, rightly — Messi’s return is the big story, but I was pleased to see goalkeeper Drake Callender back to making “oooooh”-worthy stops. Callender made several incredible plays among his five saves; unfortunately, he couldn’t corral a 78th-minute blast, deflecting it into the path of Alvaro Barreal, who easily punted it home for the match’s only goal. Still, the keeper reminded us (on his birthday, by the way) why he was called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time earlier this year.

Like Ken, I've been waiting for Callender to really show his worth. He didn't get much of a look with the U.S. Men's National Team during the last international break -- which was disappointing -- but his various stops against a powerful club like FC Cincinnati were definitely worth the price of admission. Now, if only we could give him a defense in front of him that didn't force those "ohhhh" moments.

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