After an important 2-1 win over Orlando City SC at home in front of a limited number of Season Ticket Members, manager Diego Alonso was pleased with what the team achieved and with the warm support of the fans.
“Without a doubt our fans were our 12th man, they pushed us, helped us and were with us at all times. It was an incredible experience and I’m very happy to have been able to win and dedicate the victory to them,” he said.
Despite earning a crucial victory for Inter Miami’s hopes in the playoff race, the Uruguayan tactician has his sights set on the work that lies ahead in the coming matches.
“Our heads have to be focused on the next match. Our plan is to prepare in these next four days to play another final on Wednesday,” declared Alonso. “If we can get three points, we have to get the, if not we have to bring one point home which will allow us to have the hope we have today of making the playoffs.”
On their part, Inter Miami defender Leandro González Pirez, who assumed the role of captain and was the hero of the match by scoring the winner in the final moments, and goalkeeper John McCrthy, who also had a standout performance, shared their coach’s sentiments: the most important thing has yet to come and the team has to maintain focus on the next opponents to reach the goal of qualifying for the playoffs.
“We have to face the next matches the same way. We know that for the moment we’re in playoff position, but we still haven’t sealed anything. We have to go match by match and now we have to prepare for the coming match in the best way possible”, stated LGP. “We have to go push for it away from home, because we need the maximum number of points possible. Truthfully, this is a good boost to our spirits, it lifts our self esteem and gives us confidence for what’s left of the season but we know we haven’t sealed anything. We have to go to Dallas, to Toronto, and push to bring home three points or whatever will help us move up and reach the playoffs.”
"The guys pushed for 90 minutes, never gave up, and I think the fans really pushed us too. It’s a great feeling to have, we’re going to try to enjoy it for the next couple of hours and then onto Dallas”, concluded McCarthy.
