Inter Miami left its name written in the history books of MLS upon qualifying for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in its inaugural campaign with a crucial 2-1 victory at home over FC Cincinnati. With the win, Inter Miami became just the seventh franchise to qualify for the playoffs in its first season.
"We feel excited. It's been a really difficult year with everything that's happened and I think that we have pushed forward a lot. Today we got the reward that we were looking for and we're in the playoffs. It's a huge step for us, I'm very happy for the players and everything they gave," highlighted manager Diego Alonso after the transcendental victory.
The Uruguayan strategist was pleased with the performances of defenders Mikey Ambrose and Leandro González Pirez, who were the heroes of the match after scoring the goals that lifted Inter Miami to victory.
“Mikey Ambrose has been behind Ben Sweat pushing and working for a long time, and I think the goal was a reward for his hard work and effort. So, we congratulate him. It makes me very happy on an individual level,” said Alonso.
“I think that Leandro [González Pirez] has been one of the team’s best signings. He’s a player of a different pedigree and he’s undoubtedly helped us a lot in our ascent this regular season. Today he scored again from a dead ball situation and helped us a lot,” he added.
Additionally, Alonso took a moment to highlight the support of the fans, whose encouragement has been vital to Inter Miami throughout the entire campaign.
“Luckily we were able to do it and celebrate with our people, our supporters. It was hugely emotional and it gave us a lot of joy to be able to dedicate the win to our fans,” he said. “On an incredible day like today with so much happening, the fans still came to the stadium, supported us and were with us. This win and this qualification undoubtedly is dedicated to our fans.”
Lastly, Alonso analyzed the team’s improvement throughout the regular season and what the team has ahead in the playoffs, emphasizing that it’s totally different than the first phase of the season.
“I think that we’ve gone from less to more. We started out losing five straight matches and from there the team started to grow, and as players like Leandro González Pirez, [Blaise] Matuidi and [Gonzalo] Higuaín arrived the team began to improve. It’s a different team today than it was in March and that gives us peace and security,” he said. “We don’t have anything to lose in the playoffs. We came from behind with nothing to lose, a lot to win, and a lot of ambition. We like being in this position and we’re preparing to make history.”
“Now starts a new tournament which has nothing to do with what’s happened through the 23 regular season matches. It’s totally different and for us in particular, we love to play life and death matches. It’s 90 minutes in an away match that is totally different than what came before in the regular season. The regular season has nothing to do with what’s going to happen from here on out,” concluded Alonso.
