Inter Miami, under Javier Mascherano, must regroup for MLS action after their most significant defeat of the season – a 3-1 exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup against the Vancouver Whitecaps. This emotional elimination, arguably the biggest match in the club`s history to date, is tough to move past, but the season is far from over.
With participation in the Club World Cup this summer and the Leagues Cup still to come, regaining their MLS form and reigniting Luis Suarez`s scoring touch will be crucial. Already having suffered two consecutive losses across all competitions, things could quickly deteriorate if the Herons fail to secure a home win against the Red Bulls.
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls
Details regarding the match date, time, location (Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida), and live stream availability via MLS Season Pass.
Match Odds provided: Inter Miami -170; Draw +320; New York Red Bulls +425.
Previous Encounter
These two teams last met almost exactly a year ago in a truly remarkable game. The New York Red Bulls held a slender one-goal lead at halftime, courtesy of Dante Vanzier, before Lionel Messi took control in the second half. Messi delivered an incredible performance, scoring once and assisting five times, leading Miami to a dominant 6-2 victory. That match also featured a second-half hat trick from Luis Suarez. This historical performance might serve as inspiration for Suarez, who is currently enduring a nine-game scoring drought.
Coaches` Perspectives
Miami needs other players to contribute more significantly in attack alongside Messi, a necessity recognized by Javier Mascherano. In his pre-match press conference, he addressed the team`s reliance on their star player, stating that for Miami to perform in crucial moments, others must step up. Last season, Leonardo Campana, Robert Taylor, and Suarez provided that support, but this season, no player has consistently filled the role of a secondary or third attacking threat.
“Naturally, when you have a player like Messi, you`re clearly going to develop a dependency on him. It`s impossible not to depend on him,” Mascherano stated. He added, “There are clearly days when the team perhaps helps him more and other days when it helps him less.”
While the team will instinctively look to Messi, which is natural, his tendency to pass means more Herons players need to get into advantageous positions to benefit from his distribution. Despite recent struggles, Miami is still in a relatively good position in the league standings, but they need to find form again sooner rather than later, given the high expectations surrounding the squad.
Predicted Lineups
Expected starting formations for both Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls are detailed.
Key Player Focus
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: Last season, Suarez was a top contender for the Golden Boot, finishing with 21 goals and nine assists in league play. This season, his numbers are significantly lower, with just one goal and five assists in the league so far. While his creative output has been useful, particularly when Tadeo Allende was scoring freely early in the season, Suarez`s personal scoring form has cooled, mirroring the team`s recent dip. At 38, and with a history of chronic knee injuries, a nine-match scoreless run is cause for concern. A few goals could quickly end this narrative, but both he and Inter Miami desperately need them soon.
Match Storyline
Is this a Temporary Slump or a Downturn for the Herons? Following their significant loss to Vancouver, it`s vital for Miami to prove that this is not the start of a negative trend. Their prior MLS loss to FC Dallas could be partially excused as it fell between crucial Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures, but the upcoming match against the Red Bulls requires full concentration with no immediate continental distractions. This recent form has caused Miami to drop to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Even if they win their game in hand, they can only climb as high as second, which would be a disappointment for a team widely expected to win everything in their path.
Match Prediction
While the Red Bulls have demonstrated strong defensive organization this season, their primary weakness is their lack of goals, which is likely to hinder them here. Miami`s defense has shown vulnerabilities, but primarily against teams possessing potent attacking threats that the Red Bulls do not have. Even if Lionel Messi is the only player to score, one goal should be enough for Miami to secure a victory at home.
Prediction: Inter Miami 1, New York Red Bulls 0
