Having just experienced their worst loss of the season, a 3-1 defeat by the Vancouver Whitecaps that saw them eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano faces the task of getting his team back on track for MLS action. While exiting what could be considered Miami`s most significant match to date can be emotionally challenging, their season is far from concluded.
Inter Miami still has the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup later this summer. Therefore, recovering their good form in MLS and getting striker Luis Suarez scoring again is crucial. With two straight defeats across all competitions, the team, nicknamed the Herons, needs a positive result against the Red Bulls at home to prevent a downward trend.
Match Details and Betting Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 3 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -170; Draw +320; New York Red Bulls +425
Recent Head-to-Head
Their previous encounter less than a year ago was memorable. The New York Red Bulls held a narrow 1-0 lead at halftime courtesy of Dante Vanzier. However, Lionel Messi dominated the second half, scoring once and providing five assists to guide Miami to a resounding 6-2 victory. Luis Suarez also netted a hat-trick in that second half. This history could offer hope for Suarez, who is currently in a nine-game scoreless streak.
Coaches` Perspectives
For Miami, finding other players to contribute offensively alongside Messi is a priority, a point coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged in his pre-match comments. He discussed the team`s reliance on Messi, stating it`s unavoidable. He noted that sometimes the team supports him better than others, but the dependence is always present.
It`s natural for the team to look to Messi, especially given his willingness to pass. However, more Miami players need to position themselves effectively to take advantage of his playmaking. Despite recent results, Miami is still in a decent league position, but given the high expectations, they need to improve their form quickly.
Expected Teams
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Gonzalo Lujan, Marcelo Weigandt, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Miguel, Omar Valencia, Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan, Peter Stroud, Filipe Carballo, Cameron Harper, Emil Forsberg, Wikelman Carmona, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Key Player Spotlight
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: Last season, Suarez was a strong contender for the Golden Boot, scoring 21 goals and assisting nine in league play. This season, he has just one goal and five assists in MLS. While his creativity has been valuable, particularly when Tadeo Allende was in form early on, it has now, like the team`s overall performance, cooled off. At 38, and with a history of chronic knee issues, a nine-match drought is starting to raise concerns. A few goals would quickly end this slump, and both he and the team desperately need them soon.
Match Narrative
Is this a temporary dip or a prolonged slump for the Herons? Following their heavy loss to Vancouver, it`s crucial for Miami to demonstrate that their recent struggles are not a new trend. Their previous MLS defeat to FC Dallas could be excused as it fell between Concacaf Champions Cup games. However, the match against the Red Bulls requires full focus, as there are no immediate cup ties on the horizon. Miami has slipped to fifth in the Eastern Conference during this poor run. Even with their game in hand, they can only rise to second place, which would be below the expectations set for a team aiming to win every competition.
Match Prediction
While the Red Bulls have shown defensive strength this season, their offensive struggles could cost them here. Miami`s defensive weaknesses have primarily been exposed by teams with significant attacking prowess, which the Red Bulls generally lack. Even if only Messi scores, one goal should be sufficient for Miami to secure a home victory. Pick: Inter Miami 1, New York Red Bulls 0
Dominic Ashworth