Five takeaways from Inter Miami’s inaugural 1-0 loss to Los Angeles FC
After much hype and anticipation, Inter Miami’s inaugural game is now in the rear-view mirror. The 1-0 road loss to Los Angeles FC, one of the best teams in Major League Soccer, gave coaches, players and fans a picture of what to expect from the expansion team this season.
Here are five takeaways:
Robbie Robinson has potential
Team executives said they plan to use their third Designated Player spot for a much-needed experienced striker, and he will likely come during the summer European transfer window. In the meantime, they gave the starting nod to rookie forward Robbie Robinson, the No. 1 draft pick out of Clemson.
Robinson is big, strong, and fast. He can hold the ball, and he can run. LAFC coach Bob Bradley called Robinson “a handful” after the game. Considering it was his first professional match, the kid did an admirable job. But he sometimes held the ball too long, admits he has lots more to learn and said the team has to develop more chemistry.
“I need to know which runs they’re doing, and they need to know what I’m doing so they will be able to play me, but that comes with time,” Robinson said. “It was coming together more toward the end of the game. I was really excited to play. This is my dream my whole life, so I wanted to get out there, get my feet under me, get some touches on the ball and get comfortable. I think I did that.”
Team captain and goalkeeper Luis Robles encouraged Robinson after the game. “I told him congratulations, No. 1 draft pick, had a really good preseason, so much so that the coach entrusted him to be in starting lineup. He had some decent chances and moments of brilliance. There’s going to be some adjustments for him, but it was an encouraging showing for him and you can see why the organization put their faith in him.”
Nico Figal stood out
One MLS newcomer who stood out was Argentine center back Nico Figal. He not only defended well, he always seemed to be in the right place, delivered pinpoint passes, made deep runs and took one of the team’s best shots of the game. Figal’s signing from Argentine club Independiente didn’t get the buzz some of the other acquisitions did, but the 25-year-old showed why he has twice been called up to Argentina’s national team.
Luis Robles played like a captain
Robles was named team captain last week, and he played like a man in command. He was rock solid in the net, made several big saves in the first half, punted well, and communicated with the back line. The only goal he allowed was Carlos Vela’s high, arching chip shot that sailed over Robles’ outstretched fingertips.
Right back needs help
One spot that looks like it needs strengthening is right back. Jamaican national team defender Alvas Powell has speed and experience, but he was exposed a few times by LAFC’s potent attackers and forced into a couple of dangerous passes. Of course, league MVP and Golden Boot winner Carlos Vela frustrates most defenders, so Miami’s back four had a tough assignment. But Figal, Ben Sweat and Roman Torres were more effective.
Diego Alonso commands respect
Although Inter Miami didn’t win its first game, it was obvious that in less than two months since being hired, coach Diego Alonso has established an attractive, attacking style on the field and team spirit in the locker room. The players seem to like his system, respond to him, and his energy on the sideline showed how much he cares. He spoke afterward about the team’s “heart and intensity” and the players said the same about him.
“It was a good opportunity to play one of the best teams in the league,” said Inter Miami sporting director and COO Paul McDonough. “I’m happy with the way we competed. They stuck to the coach’s game plan, worked really, really hard. We saw mature performances from some of the guys. Some of the young guys put in good shifts. We’re going in the right direction, and move on to the D.C. game and then the home opener on March 14 against the [L.A.] Galaxy, which will be a huge day for us.”