Inter Miami CF fell 2-0 to reigning MLS Cup champions New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami fielded a starting lineup with just two changes from its dramatic victory over Charlotte FC a week ago. Drake Callender started in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Chris McVey, Ryan Sailor, and Kieran Gibbs manned the team’s defense; Jean Mota, captain Gregore, and Pozuelo formed the midfield three; Robert Taylor and Indiana Vassilev started on the wings either side of striker Gonzalo Higuaín in attack.
Gibbs and Higuaín returned to the team’s starting XI for the matchup while the remaining nine players retained their places from the victory over Charlotte. Forward Shaan Hundal, meanwhile, featured for the second time in a First Team matchday squad after being signed on a short-term loan agreement from Inter Miami CF II. Hundal was previously in the squad for the road game against Orlando City SC on July 9.
Match Action
New York landed the first blow in the match, taking the lead in the 13th minute when Valentín ‘Taty’ Castellanos hit a through ball into the box for Maxi Moralez, who slid a low shot from a tight angle into the back of the net to make it 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.
After a strong pair of moments in goal from Callender, Inter Miami began to control more possession and create a number of chances. Notably, a 19th minute transition saw an Higuaín pass find Taylor in stride after a deflection, who then bypassed two defenders with a run into the box before firing a shot from a tight angle that went just wide.
Gibbs then took a pair of chances to test NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson, first in the 25th minute when he controlled a long switch, clipped a touch past a defender, cut to his right and fired a low shot that drew a diving save. Then, in the 37th minute, Higuaín turned and played a ball into the box for Gibbs, who struck another powerful shot at goal that was saved. Despite the visiting team’s efforts, New York held its 1-0 lead through the halftime whistle.
The hosts, however, struck again at the 75-minute mark; a low cross into the box was deflected, but found Héber at the far post, who knocked it home to double New York’s lead.
Inter Miami made a number of changes in pursuit of a route back into the match, including the returns of Noah Allen, who recently helped lead the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team to the Concacaf U-20 Championship title and qualification to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, and Joevin Jones.
Still, Héber’s strike proved to be the final tally in the match, resulting in a tightly-contested road loss for Inter Miami.
Post-Match Reaction
“We’re 100% heading in the right direction. This is a disappointment because we don’t like losing games of fútbol, but we lost against a really good team, the best team in both conferences last year," said head coach Phil Neville. "We’re going to accept this, but next week we’ll come out and we’re looking for nine points, it’s a nine-point week for us. That’s what we have to aim for.”
Next Match
Inter Miami CF returns to DRV PNK Stadium aiming to extend its positive record at home of only one loss in nine matches across all competitions when it hosts FC Cincinnati on Saturday, July 30 at 8 p.m. ET.
Individual match tickets for each remaining regular season home match on the Inter Miami CF schedule are available by visiting https://www.intermiamicf.com/tickets/single. Fans can also call 305-428-0611 to learn more.
Stats
Possession:
NYC - 46%MIA - 54%
Shots:
NYC - 18MIA - 11
Saves:
NYC - 4MIA - 4
Corners:
NYC - 4MIA - 3
Fouls:
NYC - 8*
MIA - *7
