Five takes after Austin FC dissects Inter Miami’s defense in a 5-1 thrashing
By Ken Garner
It must be good to be Green. Or, Verde. At least, it must be if you’re a fan of Austin FC, whose 5-1 humiliation of Inter Miami on Sunday and 5-0 blanking of Cincinnati a week ago gives it the Major League Soccer record for goals scored in the first two matches of a season. And this coming from a side that scored the fewest goals in MLS last year.
Here are my impressions immediately after the match:
Inter Miami desperately missed Damion Lowe
The Jamaican international, who earned honorable mention on the first MLS Team of the Week, was a gritty, physical presence for the defense against Chicago in Miami’s opening 0-0 draw. The defense was a strength and the clean sheet gave the Herons a little swagger. But a groin injury kept Lowe out of the Austin match, and the defense…struggled. Like a sieve.
Leonardo Campana should start beside Gonzalo Higuain in the Herons’ attack
He scored Inter Miami’s lone goal in the 53rd minute, calmly controlling Higuain’s pass with his right foot and bouncing it into the right side of the net with his left. It was vindication for the Ecuadorian, on loan to Miami from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who started the season opener, but failed to convert two easy opportunities and began the Austin match on the bench.
His replacement, Ariel Lassiter, was ineffective and often out of synch with Higuain, prompting a switch at the break. Lassiter has blistering speed but hasn’t shown much patience or instinct. While many critics called for Campana’s replacement last week, I thought he deserved more time to find his feet. I’m feeling pretty good about that call right now.
Sebastian Driussi, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder is special
Signed in July 2021, the Argentinian tallied five goals and five assists in 17 games (16 starts). With a brace against the Herons, he now has three goals and 2 assists in two matches this year. Commentator Taylor Twellman said Driussi could be one of the league’s five best players, and the savvy attacker didn’t do anything to dispel that notion.
Despite a dismal performance all around, there were some positive moments
The defense was only moderately better after coach Phil Neville switched from a 5-3-2 to a 4-2-3-1 after the break, but the attack was infinitely improved. The additions of Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor and Campana helped Miami win the ball back more quickly and maintain more possession. I think Neville would prefer the more defensive formation, especially on the road, but the Herons need dependable backs to make that work.
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It’s all about exciting football for Austin FC
Finally, I’d like to tip my Stetson to Austin FC and its fans. The Verde are playing exciting football, with passionate, LOUD fans, a state-of-the-art downtown stadium, and possibly the best-looking home jersey in MLS. If I sound a little jealous, I just might be…did I mention the state-of-the-art downtown stadium?