Starting XI:
GK - Drake Callender
D - DeAndre Yedlin
D - Damion Lowe
D - Aimé Mabika
D - Chris McVey
M - Jean Mota
M - Gregore ©
M - Alejandro Pozuelo
F - Robert Taylor
F - Ariel Lassiter
F - Gonzalo Higuaín
Substitutes - GK Nick Marsman; D Kieran Gibbs, Joevin Jones, Harvey Neville, Ryan Sailor, Brek Shea; M Bryce Duke, Victor Ulloa; F Indiana Vassilev
Notes:
- With a win tonight against New York City FC, Inter Miami CF would advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the team would face CF Montréal on the road on Oct. 23.
- Inter Miami will face Eastern Conference third seed NYCFC on the road in Round One of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs tonight to get the Club’s second playoffs campaign in its three years of history started. Tonight’s matchup will see Inter Miami and NYCFC clash for the third time this year, as the teams faced each other twice in the 2022 regular season, with a win apiece. Last time out, Inter Miami earned a 3-2 win at home over the New York-based side on Aug. 13 with a brace by midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo and another strike from winger Ariel Lassiter. The goals in the match boosted Pozuelo's stellar record against NYCFC, as he's registered nine goals and five assists in 12 matches across all competitions against NYCFC.
- The team finished the regular season seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference with a total 48 points from 14 wins, 14 losses and six draws in 34 games. Inter Miami’s top scorers in the regular season were forwards Gonzalo Higuaín with 16 and Leonardo Campana with 11. Midfielder Bryce Duke, meanwhile, finished the regular season as the top assist provider, with seven.
- Higuaín will be looking to pick up where he left off after finishing the regular season - the last one in his illustrious career - in scintillating form. He registered 14 goals and two assists in the last 16 regular season fixtures (from July 13 to Oct. 9) to guide Inter Miami to an Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs berth. Overall, he scored 16 goals and dished out three assists in the 2022 regular season.
- Midfielder Pozuelo returns to the starting XI for tonight’s fixture after missing the team’s final two 2022 MLS regular season matches due to a groin injury.
- Official Playoff Watch Parties: Inter Miami is holding a pair of official watch party events for fans to enjoy the team's playoff match. The party started at 5:30 p.m. ET at both locations 90 minutes ahead of kickoff. Get there early to secure your spot as space is limited and entry is on a first come, first served basis. Locations: La Tropical in Miami (Address: 42 NE 25th St. Wynwood, Miami, FL 33137), Mickey Byrne’s in Fort Lauderdale (Address: 1921 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020)
- The match will be broadcast nationally on FS1 and FOX Deportes. Fans worldwide can follow live updates including video highlights and stats on the club’s App. Download and Register your Profile here: https://intermiami.app.link/App.
