New York City FC Ends Inter Miami CF's Playoff Aspirations

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) - Inter Miami CF's playoff aspirations were crushed Saturday when they could not stop New York City FC at home.

Valentín Castellanos scored two goals to stay in the mix for the Golden Boot award and New York City FC beat Inter Miami 3-1.

New York City (14-11-8) eliminated Miami (11-17-5) from playoff contention.

Castellanos' 18 goals are the most by a NYCFC player in a single season since David Villa had three seasons with 18-plus goals from 2015-17. Castellanos entered the day one behind scoring leader Ola Kamara of D.C. United.

Castellanos scored in the 33rd minute for a 1-0 lead. He received a pass from Keaton Parks about 25 yards out, took three touches and sent it past goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Castellanos made it 2-1 on a breakaway in the 60th for his fourth goal against Miami this season. He added his eighth assists of the season in the 83rd on Talles Magno's goal.