Inter Miami humbled in season opener against LAFC

LAFC 3 – 0 Inter Miami

LOS ANGELES, CA–Inter Miami were taken apart by an impressive LAFC who gave the reigning champions a reality check to start the season.

With some new faces, but the same fearsome attacking threat, Miami coach Javier Mascherano would have been hoping to continue where they left off last year, but LA had other ideas and had the Herons on the ropes throughout the match.

LA posed a threat to the Miami goal inside the first few minutes when Son was running at goal. He was forced wide but played in 99 who’s shot was well saved by new goalkeeper Dane St Clair who was making his debut. He was joined by new striker German Berterame and centre back Micael.

With no Sergio Busquets or Jordie Alba after their retirement, Miami had a different shape and feel to the lineup, with Yannick Bright given the midfield anchor role alongside Rodrigo De Paul.

Captain Lionel Messi was their best threat throughout the game, and he nearly had an early chance, but Hugo Loris Was alert to the danger.

Miami looked comfortable at the start and were dictating the play as they searched for an opening.

But LA were a constant threat with Denis Bouanga and David Martinez playing alongside Son Heung-min and it was Bouanga who drifted passed the Miami defense with ease early on, but his cross was cleared.

After a slow start LA started to impose themselves and Miami were being forced into some desperate defending as they started to lose their hold on the game despite still being enjoying most of the possession.

Miami were often being overrun by an energetic LA side who transitioned quickly, picking up a loose pass or the second ball and creating chances, as Miami struggled to cope with the physicality and movement of their opponents.

And Inters defensive frailties that plagued them last season were exposed again a number of times when they were caught out of position or conceded position far too easily.

And it was DePaul that came unstuck when his heavy touch lost the ball for Son to release Martinez who finished brilliantly into the far corner.

The goal had been coming for a while after a series of unforced errors that Miami had survived, until now when they were punished.

And the goal was almost replicated soon after when Martinez was running at goal, but he couldn’t find the same finish this time.

Miami were still enjoying most of the ball and the statistics will tell you that they had twice the number of passes compared to LA, and they dominated the second half, but they didn’t do enough with it.

LA were defensively very organised, and Messi was being overwhelmed in the midfield as they pressed hard and minimised any space.

And Miami were undone again when Timothy Tillman played a long searching ball forward. St Clare came off his line but was beaten to it by Bouanga who headed it into space to create an open goal and make it two goals to the good.

Miami brought on Luis Suarez hoping to sneak a goal and claw their way back, but they weren’t clicking as a team and couldn’t break down the wall of defence created by LA.

Bouanga had tormented them throughout the game, and he was at it again when he raced down the left wing and his cross was converted by Nathan Ordaz to add some gloss to a fine display.

It was an impressive performance from LA, in contrast to Miami who looked ragged and disjointed, giving Mascherano plenty to think about before next week’s game.

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