Washington, Nov. 30 -- Argentine striker Tadeo Allende netted a hat-trick as Inter Miami reached its first MLS Cup final with a 5-1 home rout of New York City.

Allende put his side ahead in the Eastern Conference final on Saturday with a powerful right-footed drive that beat goalkeeper Matt Freese at his near post.

Allende struck again nine minutes later, sending a looping header into the far corner following Jordi Alba's diagonal cross.

The visitors pulled a goal back through Justin Haak, who latched onto Maxi Moralez's cross with a bullet header past Rocco Rios Novo.

The hosts had their Argentine goalkeeper to thank for staying ahead in the 66th minute when he dived horizontally to tip Julian Fernandez's first-time effort over the bar...