MLS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback in stoppage time to pick up three needed points, but the team ultimately dropped two after settling for a draw.

Tomas Aviles scored a 95th-minute equalizer before David Ruiz hit the underside of the crossbar as Inter Miami rallied to salvage a 1-1 draw at home vs. New York City FC on Saturday night. Santiago Rodriguez had scored the opener at Drv Pnk Stadium in a match that was delayed approximately one hour due to lightning in the area, but Aviles canceled it out with a header off a corner kick that represented Inter Miami’s only shot on target.

The stalemate that came without Lionel Messi (injured) moved the South Florida side up a spot and into 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a 9-6-15 record. Four games remain in Inter Miami’s regular season, and four points separate the Herons from the final playoff berth that is currently held by CF Montreal.

Inter Miami continues its grueling stretch of games in recent weeks, facing the latest quick turnaround ahead of a Wednesday visit to the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

• New York City FC: Santiago Rodriguez (Tayvon Gray) 77’

• Inter Miami: Tomas Aviles (Robert Taylor) 90+5’