Inter Miami CF (3W-2L-2D, 11 points) earned a 1-1 draw against New York City FC tonight at Chase Stadium. Striker Luis Suárez scored the team’s goal on the night, while midfielder Julian Gressel recorded an assist to become the fifth active player in MLS to reach 70 assists.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami lined up with captain Drake Callender in goal; Marcelo Weigandt, Ryan Sailor, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba made up a back line of four; Yannick Bright, David Ruiz and Diego Gomez started in midfield; Gressel and Robert Taylor flanked striker Suárez in attack.
Notably, right back Weigandt, who was signed on loan this week, made his debut for the Club as part of the team’s starting XI on the night. Additionally, defender Sailor and midfielder Bright registered their first starts of the 2024 MLS regular season. Lastly, Inter Miami CF II players Pep Casas and Leo Afonso were signed on short-term agreements and featured in the team’s matchday squad.
Match Action
Inter Miami kicked off the match on the front foot in search of an early lead and was rewarded in the 15th minute, with the team taking advantage of a set piece opportunity. Gressel served a perfectly timed ball for Suárez in the center of the box, where the Uruguayan striker headed the ball to the far post to open the scoring. The goal was the fifth for Suárez this regular season and his team-leading seventh across all competitions, while the assist was the third for Gressel in 2024. With the assist, Gressel reached 70 MLS career assists in his eighth season in the league, becoming the fifth active player in MLS to reach 70 career assists.
It seemed as if the match was going into the half with the host’s lead intact, but NYCFC leveled the scoring through a goal from forward Alonso Martínez in the 34th minute.
The second half then presented an even matchup with both sides probing the opponent’s defense, searching to generate danger. Suárez was lively throughout the half and created the team’s most dangerous opportunities, with the hosts’ closest opportunity coming inside the box in the 80th minute, but his attempt was stopped by the keeper.
Despite both team’s efforts, the scoreline remained unchanged throughout the second half and the match resulted in a 1-1 draw at Chase Stadium.
New Look at Chase Stadium
Tonight Chase Stadium debuted a whole new look y with an expanded Inter Miami CF Fan Zone presented by Baptist Health. The Fan Zone is now completely enclosed within the concourse at Chase Stadium and features three new gates to facilitate speedier entry into the home of Inter Miami CF and be exclusive for Season Ticket Members and ticketed guests.
Baptist Health Donation Presentation at Halftime
When Baptist Health and Inter Miami CF kicked off their partnership, they committed to jointly raise funds via the Community Kick-in initiative, promoting both the Baptist Health and Inter Miami CF Foundations. Throughout the MLS season, for each Inter Miami CF corner kick taken at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami has pledged to make a donation of $150 split between each foundation.
Over the course of the 2023 MLS season, Baptist Health and Inter Miami CF raised over $9,000 benefiting the foundations. Inter Miami presented a check with the $4,950 raised in 2023 to Baptist Health on the pitch during halftime.
Post-Match Reaction
“The team changed the intensity and the game. That’s why I highlighted today. For me, today what the team did was very deserving, we played well, we created many goal-scoring opportunities,” said head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
Next Match
Next, Inter Miami will host LIGA MX side C.F. Monterrey for the first leg of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup matchup at Chase Stadium on Wednesday, April 3 at 8 p.m. ET. Tickets are available HERE.
Stats:
Possession:
MIA - 52.9%
NYC - 47.1%
Shots:
MIA - 13
NYC - 10
Saves:
MIA - 2
NYC - 5
Corners:
MIA - 7
NYC - 2
Fouls:
MIA - 14
NYC - 1
