Here’s what you need to know about Inter Miami home game Saturday vs Minnesota United
Inter Miami is playing at home for the first time in four weeks on Saturday night, and the team is highly motivated to beat Minnesota United following a three-week FIFA international break and a road loss to Atlanta United.
The last time the men in pink played at DRV PNK Stadium, they knocked off the Portland Timbers 2-1 and climbed to seventh place in the Eastern Conference finals. But the loss to Atlanta dropped them to 10th place.
Minnesota is in a similar spot, below the playoff line in the Western Conference.
Both teams have struggled to score, so fans should not expect a high-scoring game unless the defenses crumble. Miami is third worst in MLS in goals per game with 15 goals through 15 games. Minnesota isn’t much better with 16 goals. The teams have never played each other.
“We’re still disappointed from the game last week,” Neville said of the 2-0 road loss to Atlanta. “The sending off [of Jean Mota] and that feeling of losing after having three weeks without a game, I’ve sensed the players are really focused this week. We feel as if our home form has been our strength.”
Miami should have a home advantage with the warm, humid weather, but temperatures reached high 90s in Minneapolis this past week, so the Loons got a taste of what to expect in Fort Lauderdale.
“We’re in the marathon now and have to start grinding out results,” Neville said. “Two or three results can take you either way. We’re in a cluster of teams that all are three or four points apart. Whoever goes on a run now with four or five games unbeaten, you’re going to find yourself in a good position.”
Miami’s offense is led by Leo Campana, who has seven goals — nearly half of the team’s total. His work rate and willingness to drop back and defend have made him one of the league’s best new players. Ariel Lassiter, Robert Taylor, Bryce Duke and Gonzalo Higuain are also scoring threats.
The Loons are led by Taylor’s Finnish teammate Robin Lod, who has six goals.
Both teams will be missing starting midfielders. Miami will be without Mota, who is serving a red card suspension. Miami is tied for the league lead with four red cards this season. To make up for Mota’s absence the team signed Abel Caputo to a short-term loan from the club’s reserve team, Inter Miami II.
Minnesota captain Wil Trapp, who played with Inter Miami in its inaugural season, is unable to play against his former team due to yellow card accumulation.
“Inter Miami has been better this year for sure, but that’s a game we can go down there and win for sure,” said Minnesota goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. “They have some pace on the wings, but I look at their back line, and anything can happen. It’s going to be a game of transition and if we are better in transition moments we can win.”
Loons coach Adrian Heath added: “Miami has improved this year. This is far and away their best team they’ve had, maybe not on paper, but results wise. The guys on the field are more into what Phil wants. They may not have the star names, but they have people who want to run around and show what it means to play for Miami and that is reflected in their results.”
A big key, Heath said, is limiting service to Campana.
“Can we keep him as far away from our goal by dictating play in their half? But the kid looks like he’s got a goal in him. He’s playing with a lot of confidence,” Heath said. “It’s been difficult down there (with Inter Miami), but it looks like they’re starting to understand who they are and what they want to be.”
Note: Single game tickets are on sale for the Inter Miami friendly vs. FC Barcelona on July 19. Details at intermiamicf.com