The MLS season is finally here and, while one game can’t foretell a team’s fortune, Inter Miami‘s 0-0 draw with Chicago did showcase many newcomers and give the Herons’ fans plenty of reasons for hope. Despite failing to win its home opener, Inter Miami managed not to lose and played through the final whistle, things that too often didn’t happen last year. So, yeah, Season 3 is off to a promising start.
“Change” was the offseason’s major theme. Soccer director Chris Henderson and coach Phil Neville had time to tinker, and tinker they did. The squad got younger, hungrier, quicker…and less experienced. It remains to be seen whether the changes will be successful, but it’s important to understand that rebuilds, especially rebuilds of this magnitude, take time. That said, Saturday’s effort leaves me cautiously optimistic that Inter Miami will be competitive sooner rather than later.
Newcomer Clement Diop, starting in place of injured goalkeeper Nick Marsman, made several tremendous saves to preserve a clean sheet and give the Herons confidence going forward. Forward Gonzalo Higuain, the team’s most prominent player, smoothly transitioned into a playmaking role — even changing his jersey number from 9 to 10 — and created multiple chances for his new attacking teammates.
Inter Miami have hope after draw to keep moving forward this season
Defender Damion Lowe, a starter for the Jamaican national and another Miami newcomer, was a physical force in front of Diop, earning a spot on the first MLS Team of the Week bench. Jean Mota, yet another new Heron, and team captain, Gregore, looked prepared to anchor the midfield and speedy U.S. national Deandre Yedlin looked dangerous on several aggressive runs, especially in the second half.
Leonardo Campana, brought in to sharpen the Herons’ attack, missed a pair of scoring opportunities — one a point-blank header that pinged off the crossbar. BUT, he did make dangerous runs and provided options for Higuain and the midfield, something that happened far too rarely in past.
Some critics want Campana benched in favor of Ariel Lassiter — you guessed it, another offseason acquisition. Lassiter and Robert Taylor (do I have to say it again? Another IMCF newbie) subbed in and had a positive impact late in the match. I’m not ready to yank Campana. He showed me enough to think he will settle his first-game jitters and begin converting his chances.
A Matchday 1 review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Noah Allen, the 17-year-old defender from Pembroke Pines who earned a surprise start against the Fire. Allen played with poise and grit beyond his years and showed real footballing instincts throughout most of the match.
Eventually, he began to show his inexperience, trying ambitious passes to Higuain that were easy interceptions for Chicago. Allen likely will spend most of the season with IMCF II in MLS Next Pro, but the Herons will be able to call him up to the first team as needed. It will be fun to watch his development.
The Herons earned a point despite playing without expected starters Marsman, forward Robbie Robinson, and defender Kieran Gibbs. Saturday’s result gives Neville confidence his squad can compete without the front-liners, but Matchday 2 could provide a sterner test. Austin FC walloped hapless FC Cincinnati 5-0.