Inter Miami CF announced today that it will play its first-ever MLS match in Los Angeles against reigning Supporters’ Shield champions Los Angeles FC on Sunday, March 1.
Dynamic attacker Lee Nguyen, who was selected by Inter Miami in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft, played for LAFC for the past two seasons and helped lead them to the 2019 MLS Supporters’ Shield title. The Club caught up with him to get his reaction to the news as well as his general thoughts on joining the team:
Q: How do you feel about joining Inter Miami?
A: I’m super excited. Not only because of the ownership group and being in Miami but being a part of this club that has ambition and big goals. They want to win trophies in this first year. I think this is what every player that joins the club wants to do. To be able to build a team and be able to challenge for titles in year one, that’s what I’m looking forward to most.
Q: What was your reaction to the news that Inter Miami will face your former club, LAFC, in its debut match?
A: It definitely brought a smile to my face because I knew it was going to happen eventually in the season, I just didn’t know it was going to be the first game. It’s going to be exciting to be back at Banc of California Stadium in front of the fans.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about that game?
A: Definitely looking forward to being back at the Banc and seeing my former teammates, coaches and fans that I enjoyed two seasons with. Now I’m excited to be going against them for our first game of 2020.
Q: What do you want fans to know about what you will bring to that game and every other?
A: I’m a creative player who likes to link up play between defense and offense; at the same time, I like to create chances for my teammates and for myself in and around the box. I feel like in and around the 18-yard box, that’s where I’m most dangerous, looking to create a lot of chances for our team.
Q: What are your hopes for Inter Miami this season and beyond?
A: To win as many trophies as possible. I think for our first year I would want to be able to make the playoffs first and foremost, but I also want to be able to challenge for that MLS Cup title, win Open Cup our first year and then be able to challenge for Concacaf Champions League at some point. These are all goals I’m hoping to hit with Inter Miami next season.
Q: Is there any other message you would like to share with the fans?
A: I’m so proud and happy to be a part of the Club, and to be able to get the support from the fans means the most. They are the heartbeat of the Club and they are who we go out there week in week out to play for. I can’t wait for that first home match to be at Inter Miami CF Stadium in front of our fans so they can get to see us live in action.
