Touchline Talk presented by Al-Flex
Inter Miami CF earned three points on Wednesday evening in California, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes as the result of Jean Mota’s first MLS goal. The midfielder’s golazo in the 20th minute came as the Brazilian latched on to a rebound just outside the box, took a deft first touch and unleashed a volley into the top right corner of the San Jose goal.
Mota, who was voted Heineken Man of the Match, spoke about the goal after the match, and expressed his joy at being able to help the team at such a crucial stage of the 2022 MLS season.
“I’m very happy to be able to score my first MLS goal. We knew the importance of this match, and I’m very happy to be able to help the team with the goal and win the match. When I kicked the ball, I immediately knew it was a goal.”
Head coach Phil Neville was also pleased with the night’s efforts in every third of the pitch, praising the way the team built and maintained pressure on the Earthquakes’ defense.
“When you think about the last month, the amount of chances that we’ve created, that makes me excited. We are creating chances. We look like a team that’s going to score more than one goal a game. We created so many chances. We defended for our lives tonight as well. I thought it was great discipline and composure. We were proactive in our defending,” Neville said.
Mota also mused about his chances to shoot tonight, noting that generally his position rarely allows forward forays into the opponent’s final third.
“Phil likes me to stay behind more, and for Gregore to go away forward a bit. I like to stay in the six position, it’s more comfortable for me. We came out well with the ball from the back. I usually have less chances to shoot, but this game was different. When I controlled the ball, it was a little high, but I kicked it and thank God it was a good goal.”
The midfielder was also positive about the team’s offensive capabilities going forward, noting that as long as chances were consistently being created, the team would take them.
“We want to score goals. We want to not suffer as much, but it’s fútbol. We have the confidence. We can score goals with the opportunities we have and be able to control the game.”
Inter Miami continues its longest road trip of the season on Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET against CF Montréal at Stade Saputo. This match will be the first time the teams meet in Montréal. The match will be broadcast on CBS4, UniMás, 790 AM The Ticket and the Inter Miami App.
