On Saturday Miami settled for a draw, one which looks both good and bad when looking at the context around it.
Luis Suarez provided Inter Miami’s lone goal in a 1-1 draw with New York City FC, scoring his seventh goal of the season in all competitions. The match was perhaps Inter Miami’s best defensive effort of the season, despite the one goal conceded, which was scored by Alonso Martinez off a bad Jordi Alba giveaway.
An ex-Barcelona star was responsible for goals on both ends, with Suarez notching his and Alba’s mishap setting up NYCFC’s finish on the other end. It was the play of the third Barca legend on the field that stole the show, though, as Sergio Busquets shined in a different role for the Herons
Deployed at centerback to start, Busquets added a new dimension to a previously-porous Herons defense. It’s a look that Tata Martino may just try again in the future, particularly when this Miami team is fully healthy and available.
Despite missing players all over the field, the Herons earned a point. It’ll be disappointing to some, but any point without Messi is decent enough as the Herons look ahead to bigger moments this week with the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
GOAL rates Inter Miami’s players from Chase Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defense
Drake Callender (6/10):
Could have maybe done a bit better on the goal, but it was one-on-one so it is what it is. Other than that, not much to do.
Jordi Alba (5/10):
A bad giveaway on the goal, which puts a damper on an otherwise typical performance from the ex-Barcelona star.
Sergio Busquets (8/10):
Moved back into defense and was absolutely fantastic. Brought some calm to the Inter Miami backline in addition to making one massive tackle early in the second half.
Ryan Sailor (6/10):
A rare start for Sailor, who certainly did his part. Was relatively solid defensively and there wasn’t too much he could have done about the goal, so job well done!
Marcelo Weigandt (7/10):
Basically got off a plane and stepped right onto the field. A good shift from the new fullback, who looks like he can really help this Inter Miami defense.
