Inter Miami 1 DC United 0
Inter Miami eventually broke down a resilient DC side that frustrated the home team from beginning to end.
It was a tightly fought contest in the intense Miami heat, as both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances and test the opposition keeper.
A heavy rain shower early in the game made for a slippery surface and some slick passing moves. Inter showed some fine inter-passing play between Lionel Messi, Alba, and Luis Suarez as both sides tried to create an opening, but goalscoring chances were few and far between.
As expected, Miami had the lion’s share of possession and DC was happy to sit back and let them have the ball. It was an obvious game plan to frustrate the home side to restrict their normal flowing game, and for the most part, it worked.
DC didn’t try and compete with Miami or go head-to-head with them, but they did an excellent job at unsettling the side and not allowing them to play.
As a result, the game was largely played in the middle third of the pitch with neither goalkeeper particularly tested during the opening exchanges.
Sergio Busquets continues to shine and his role in the middle of the park is vital to Miami’s play, but DC came prepared. They out-muscled Miami and knocked them out of their stride, not allowing them time on the ball.
Jarred Stroud was a consistent nuisance and Christian Benteke was always a constant threat as the away team relied on their counter-attacking game.
Benjamin Cremaschi had the best chance of the first half when Jordi Alba crossed for the midfielder who should have done better, but Alex Bono made a decent save.
The second half started as the first had ended. With Miami dictating play and dominating possession but without creating any decent chances. Whereas, DC seemed happy to let Miami play and wait for their chance on the counter.
After a goalless draw in midweek, Miami coach Gerardo Martino would have been keen to get back to winning ways, after their recent good run.
This was a good examination for a Miami side loaded with talent and DC was doing a good job of restricting the home side’s attacking prowess.
As the game wore on it seemed like the Herons were heading for a second scoreless draw in a week but in added time, they finally made the breakthrough. And it was Busquets that unlocked the door.
Benjamin Campana timed his run perfectly and was found by the Spaniard with a gorgeous ball over the top. The youngster then added some additional polish with a sumptuous volley that gave Bono no chance as crashed in off the crossbar.
It was a cruel blow for a DC side that deserved more. Their game plan worked for the most part, but Miami’s possession eventually told, and they managed to find a winner.
Coach Martino will want to see some improvements if his side wants to maintain their grasp at the top of the table However, despite not playing at their best, Miami was able to grind out a win and secure the points, arguably the sign of champions. Time will tell.
Inter Miami
