2020 MLS SuperDraft first-overall pick Robbie Robinson scores winner in front of impressive showing of traveling Club supporters’ groups
In the Club’s last preseason match before its historic Major League Soccer debut, Inter Miami CF earned a 0-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night in front of passionate traveling fans from the Club’s recognized supporters’ groups - The Siege, Southern Legion and Vice City 1896.
“I’m very happy with what I saw from the group throughout the preseason. Today I think we also had a good game, we competed well, and I’m pleased with what the players have done,” said Head Coach Diego Alonso. “My biggest takeaway is the work put in during the entire preseason. I think we all have done, especially the players, a great job and have to continue looking to improve.”
“It’s incredible that [our supporters] traveled so many kilometers to support us in a friendly, it's wonderful. Imagine what our home opener is going to be like. We’re happy that the home opener will be sold out. It was also great to have shared today with so many supporters. We felt at home today, we played away but felt like the home team because of our fans,” added Alonso on the support from the hundreds of supporters at Al Lang Stadium.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 23rd minute, thanks to a great run from Canadian international Jay Chapman down the left side, who then laid it off nicely to the 2020 MLS SuperDraft first-overall pick Robbie Robinson. The young attacker showed his confidence and composure in front of goal, cutting in to his left and finishing clinically to the far post for the eventual winner.
The Inter Miami backline, led by the two-time MLS Cup winner and Panamanian National Team captain Román Torres, helped the team secure a clean sheet and earn a 0-1 victory to seal the Club’s first-ever preseason.
After 10 days of preseason preparations in Saint Petersburg, Inter Miami returns home to train at its state-of-the-art Inter Miami CF Training Complex before heading to Los Angeles for its MLS debut. The Club begins its historic inaugural season on Sunday, March 1 against Los Angeles Football Club at Banc of California Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET.
Single-game tickets to Inter Miami CF’s historic home debut on March 14 against the LA Galaxy have sold out. The only other way to guarantee a ticket to Inter Miami’s first-ever home game is by becoming a season ticket member. Less than 1,000 season tickets remain for the 2020 season. To purchase your season tickets or learn more, click here.
A limited number of single-game tickets remain for Inter Miami’s second home game on March 21 against the New York Red Bulls and third home game on April 5 against the Philadelphia Union are now on sale, visiting https://www.intermiamicf.com/en/tickets/single.
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami will play all of its home matches at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Located off Commercial Boulevard and I-95, the stadium stands adjacent to the Club’s new 50,000 square foot state of the art training facility, which includes seven professional fields. The facility will be the home to all Inter Miami teams, including its First Team in MLS, Fort Lauderdale CF in USL League One and the youth development Academy. It will also host international clubs, tournaments and local high school sporting events.
Lineups/Substitutions:
Inter Miami CF - GK John McCarthy, D Mikey Ambrose, Grant Lillard, Román Torres, Christian Makoun, Alvas Powell, M AJ DeLaGarza, Jay Chapman, Luis Argudo, Lewis Morgan, F Robbie Robinson
Tampa Bay Rowdies - GK Evan Louro, D Louis Lomas, Forrest Lasso, Aaron Guillen, Mustafa Dumbuya, M Jordan Doherty, Zach Steinberger, Lewis Hilton, Leo Fernandes, F Sebastian Guenzatti, Kyle Murphy
Details of the Game:
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Feb. 22, 2020
