MLS: 3 positives for Inter Miami and Nashville SC
MLS’ two expansion sides, Inter Miami and Nashville SC, are yet to record a point this season. But here are three positives for them to take from the first two weeks of the campaign.
With the coronavirus outbreak putting all sport on hold, including Major League Soccer, which has suspended matches for 30 days, we have plenty of time to reflect on the first two weeks of the season. And for no teams has the first two weeks of the 2020 season been more significant than for fellow expansion sides, Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC.
Thus far, neither have earned a single point in MLS. On the face of it, it seems like they have suffered disastrous starts to the season. But dig a little deeper, and there are positives to be found for each.
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So, here are three positives for Inter Miami and Nashville SC to take from their early MLS experiences.
3. Rodolfo Pizarro has scored
Given the structure of MLS rosters and the spending limits that teams must abide by, making the most of your three Designed Player slots is absolutely crucial to fielding a competitive team. Efficient spending is vital. And for Inter Miami, they have ploughed their resources into Mexican midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro.
While there was plenty of talk regarding a big-name European signing that would ignite the Miami team, especially because of the David Beckham links as a part of the ownership group, in the end, Pizarro was their marquee acquisition, and he might end up being a shrewder move than signing an ageing star towards the end of their career.
As Pizarro looks to settle into life in MLS, having early success is vital. With every passing game without a goal, assist or key moment, the pressure builds. So, for Pizarro to score Miami’s only goal of the season can only be a positive. Miami will not be a capable team this season without Pizarro playing a key role. Getting him scoring, then, is vital.