Inter Miami: Former USMNT defender Ventura Alvarado joins club
Inter Miami gets defensive
A team that has struggled on both ends of the pitch got a bit of balance on Thursday as Inter Miami officially added defender Ventura Alvarado.
The former United States international joins Inter Miami from Liga MX’s Club Atlético de San Luis. The 28-year old has played for some of the biggest clubs in Mexico’s top flite including Club America, Necaxa and Santos Laguna.
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Inter Miami has conceded 23 goals this season, fourth-most allowed in MLS. Their goals scored is tied for the fewest in MLS along with expansion club Austin FC.
Those two marks are a major reason why Inter Miami is bottom of MLS with a 2-8-3 record (9 points).
“We’re excited to sign Ventura to Inter Miami to add depth and help us solidify our backline. He’s an experienced center back who has played at a high level in Mexico and with the national team,” Inter Miami Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting DIrector Chris Henderson said in part of a statement released by the club.
“We’ve seen his talent on the pitch and positive attitude and character off it firsthand and we’re looking forward to his contributions to the squad.”
Alvarado, a dual-national, has made 13 appearances for the United States national team. None of his appearances have come since 2015, however.
During two stints with Necaxa, Alvarado has 92 appearances and scored three goals. He’s also made 66 appearances (four goals and an assist) for Club America, one of the biggest and most successful teams in Mexico as well as North America.
Inter Miami adds a much-needed piece
Alvarado is a versatile player, able to man either center back position, play as an outside back or even deep in the midfield.
Inter Miami has struggled in their second season in MLS and Alvarado will help steady a backline that has defensively been suspect and struggled with their shape.
A season ago, Inter Miami made the MLS Cup playoffs despite a very uneven season, nabbing 24 points in 23 matches played. They were bounced from the play-in round in convincing fashion by fellow expansion side Nashville SC by a humiliating 3-0 score line.
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