Inter Miami surrenders late equalizer, settles for 1-1 preseason tie with Columbus Crew
Inter Miami came three minutes short of a preseason win over the Columbus Crew, but surrendered a late goal and settled for a 1-1 tie on Saturday in the opener of the 2022 Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston, S.C.
Miami played stingy defense from the start and took the lead in the 59th minute when speedy newcomer Ariel Lassiter, son of former MLS star Roy Lassiter, collected a perfect long diagonal pass into the box from a retreated Gonzalo Higuain and knocked it into the net.
“With my pace it opens up space for him to drop back and get on the ball, and teams are afraid of him getting the ball and turning so it leaves space behind for me,” Lassiter said.
Derrick Etienne scored the equalizer in the 87th minute when several Miami starters had been subbed.
“Lot of positives, defensively we were very solid for the majority of the match,” said Inter Miami assistant coach Jason Kreis. “Late in the match after we made so many changes, we saw a little bit of chaos that allowed the goal that equalized the game. But the biggest highlight of the game was how stable we looked defensively without the ball.”
One player who stood out was new center back Damion Lowe, who is captain of the Jamaican national team. Kreis said Lowe has made an immediate impact on and off the field with his leadership.
Kreis said among the concerns as the regular season opener looms Feb. 26 is injuries. Injured players who were not on the game roster: Robbie Robinson, Bryce Duke, Emerson Rodriguez, Nick Marsman. Newly signed winger Robert Taylor is awaiting his visa.
Victor Ulloa suffered a slight calf pull in the first half and left the game. Kreis said it does not appear serious and should be a short-term issue. The team plays again Tuesday against the Charleston Battery.
This story was originally published February 12, 2022 at 5:37 PM.