1. Defense, defense, defense
Despite all their setbacks, Inter Miami’s defense held up well Saturday night. Miami’s back four had a massive test ahead of them, and they passed it with flying colors. The newest inclusion to the lineup, center back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, showed his worth, finishing the game with an 80% pass completion and five clearances.
His center-back partner Andres Reyes also had a fantastic game. Although he was substituted out in the 77th minute, the Colombian international gave it his all, ending the match completing 26 of his passes, winning five of his duels, and clearing the ball three times.
Perhaps the most underrated performer of the night goes to Nico Figal. The 26-year-old, who typically plays through the middle, had a standout game at right-back. He managed to man-mark Nani out of most of the game and comfortably got up and down the right-hand side to provide Inter Miami’s attack some width.
All in all, it was a fairly complete performance by Diego Alonso’s men. They successfully created and finished their chances while also hanging on defensively during the dying seconds of the match to collect all three points.
If La Rosa Negra is to make the playoffs this season, it’s clear that more performances like that are needed.