Inter Miami earned its second consecutive victory for the first time this season and earned a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo at home.
"It's the first time we've been able to win two matches in a row. I think it strengthens our spirit. I think the two wins were deserved and that also strengthens us, because winning by doing things well strengthens our convictions," added manager Diego Alonso. "We have to keep working and pushing forward. We'll enjoy today and tomorrow we'll begin work for the match against Atlanta."
“I’m buzzing after two wins. Can’t complain. All you want to do is win. At the end of the day it makes everything better, makes everyone feel better. Winning is what we’re here to do,” said goalkeeper John McCarthy, who made two saves for his first clean sheet with the Club.
Rookie right back Dylan Nealis shared their sentiments and added that he feels the team has adapted well to a new formation, as the team defended well, limited the opponent’s chances and ultimately kept a clean sheet.
“We’re flying with this formation so hopefully we can keep it going Wednesday,” said Nealis.
Though the team is pleased with the result, it will continue to try to improve as it enters the final stretch of the season.
“Without a doubt the last six matches will be important. I think that the team is continuing its growth and continues pushing forward. Maybe the most important moment of the season is when the team is at its best, which is good,” said Alonso. “If we qualify for the playoffs we’ll definitely be a difficult team for anybody to play, so we’re trying to make it there in our first year.
“I think that we needed to take it game by game, trying to continue playing well and adjusting the details that needed adjusting; I think it’s noticeable that the team has improved. Since we got back from Orlando it’s a new group, and with the additions of Blaise Matuidi, [Leandro] González Pirez, and [Gonzalo] Higuaín it’s a different team. We have more options, more quality and the team has noticed it and it's contagious, it makes everyone play up to that level.”
McCarthy and Nealis echoed their manager, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the work ahead.
“I hope it builds for everyone and keeps us going and we keep rolling on. Two wins in a row, that’s the first time we’ve done it all year, it’s an amazing feeling for the guys and it was well deserved in a hard-fought game,” said McCarthy. “Everyone is really happy, so we’ll keep going forward and Wednesday we have to try to do it again.”
“Like we’ve been saying all year, it’s a process. We’re just trusting this process; we know it’s going to take a while,” added Nealis. “We’re a new team, an expansion team, we got new players coming in and how quickly can we gel together? I think people are slowly seeing it, as each game continues, we’re only getting better. I think Wednesday we’ll keep improving.”
