Inter play out entertaining draw against Cincinnati

Inter Miami 0 – 0 FC Cincinnati

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL–Miami were forced to leave their captain Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba out of the team and then forced to share the spoils against a strong Cincinnati side at Chase Stadium on Saturday.

It was a frustrating few days for Miami, and the frustrations continued as they were unable to break down the Cincinnati defense in front of their home fans.

The controversial decision to ban Messi and Jordi Alba stems from the pair not playing in the recent MLS all star game. They didn’t have permission not to attend the match, and as a result received a one match ban.

It’s fair to say that their absence may have affected the outcome. Anyone that vaguely knows this game will have heard of Messi, as he’s often described as one of the worlds best, and rightly so.

However, not everyone will know that Alba is possibly one of the world’s finest ever full backs, and his attacking input cannot be overlooked.

During his time in Florida the Spaniard has featured in fifty four games, scoring six goals and providing a staggering twenty two assists.

His link up play is excellent, particularly with the other former Barcelona players. And he provides another form of ammunition down the flank with his runs and ability to dig out a good cross, unlike many actual wingers.

Benjamin Cremaschi, normally more used to an attacking midfield role, was given his boots to fill at left back, and it was no surprise to see that he struggled early on.

He was almost caught out in the opening moment but was saved by his goalkeeper and picked up a yellow card inside ten minutes.

The visitors started strongest as they started the match with an attacking intent. Their danger man Evander had an early free kick opportunity but disappointingly failed to get the ball over the Miami wall.

But it was Miami that came closest in the early stages. Lois Suarez floated a delightful cross to the far post for Fafa Picault whose header seemed destined for the back of the net, but for a fantastic save by Roman Celentano in the Cincinnati goal.

It was end to end without being spectacular, and without either side making any clear cut openings. Suarez was doing his best to lead the line for Miami, but without the wizardry of Messi, they didn’t have that unpredictability that can often undo the opponent’s defensive shield.

Miami’s fourteen attempts on goal and the majority of possession tells a story, and you feel that Coach Javier Mascherano will think his side dropped points here, albeit against strong opponents. This game was there for the winning, but neither side could muster a winning goal.

There was still some late drama where Miami could and maybe should have lost the game. Miles Robinson scored with a header from a Evander free kick for Cincinnati, but the referee deemed he had fouled Noah Allen in the process.

The midfielders hand appeared to touch the defenders face as he attacked the ball, and that was enough for the goal to be disallowed.

It was a questionable decision at best, and it caused some raised eyebrows, but it was backed up by VAR and the goal was chalked off. However, it felt like a big let off for Miami who could have been undone in the dying minutes.

However, the potential twists and turns kept coming. Miami might have won it late on themselves with a late but some defensive heroics by Alvas Powel on his own goal line kept the game scoreless and the points were shared.