Inter Miami CF fell 1-3 to Houston Dynamo FC at DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday night.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami returned from the international break with a number of notable inclusions in its starting XI; Nick Marsman made his first start in goal of 2022 for the First Team; DeAndre Yedlin, Damion Lowe, Chris McVey and Noah Allen started in defense; Gregore lined up at the base of the midfield behind Jean Mota and Robert Taylor; Gonzalo Higuaín led the line as the team’s striker while flanked by Robbie Robinson and Ariel Lassiter on the wings.
Marsman, who started and registered an assist for Inter Miami CF II in its MLS NEXT Pro debut a week ago, made his return to the First Team after recovering from an injury suffered late in the 2021 MLS season. Yedlin, meanwhile, returned from international duty after helping the U.S. Men’s National Team clinch qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and slotted into the starting XI. Robinson also returned to the First Team starting XI for the first time in 2022 after starting for Inter Miami CF II last week. Lassiter’s start marked his first appearance against his former team Houston since joining Inter Miami.
Match Action
After a lengthy weather delay pushed back the start of the match, the proceedings got underway just before 10 p.m. ET. The early moments saw Marsman called into action quickly, making a pair of standout saves within the first six minutes.
The hosts then began to dictate proceedings with a number of strong driving runs to penetrate the Houston defense. Notably, Robinson and Lassiter consistently attacked with the ball at their feet while Taylor popped up in a number of dangerous areas, but the match entered halftime scoreless.
It was Houston, however, who came out faster in the second half, finding the opening goal in the 49th minute; a deflected cross reached the head of Darwin Quintero in the box, who headed it home to make it 0-1. The visitors doubled their lead in the 57th minute after a foul was called in the box and Fafa Picault scored from the penalty spot.
Inter Miami pulled one back in the 66th minute, however; Taylor was brought down in the box by the Houston goalkeeper and Higuaín stepped up and slotted his penalty past the diving keeper to halve the deficit. The goal was Higuaín’s second of 2022.
Houston, however, netted a third before the match was over to secure victory as a late transition moment resulted in Picault’s second of the night to make it 1-3.
Inter Miami Welcomes Autism Soccer
In support of World Autism Awareness Day, welcomed Autism Soccer to DRV PNK Stadium for tonight’s game with a special halftime clinic on the field, including a special appearance by Inter Miami CF co-owner David Beckham.
As a Club, we are committed to promoting inclusion and bringing the beautiful game to everyone today, and always.
Next Match
Inter Miami will be back in action at DRV PNK Stadium next Saturday, April 9 at 3 p.m. ET when the team takes on the 2021 Supporters’ Shield champion New England Revolution.
Stats
Possession:
MIA - 54%
HOU - 46%
Shots:
MIA - 22
HOU - 11
Saves:
MIA - 2
HOU - 4
Corners:
MIA - 7
HOU - 3
Fouls:
MIA - 7
HOU - 15
