Inter Miami CF (4W-4D-9L, 16 points) fell to New York City FC by a score of 2-0 at Red Bull Arena.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami made one change from the winning lineup it trotted out against Nashville SC last Sunday, with Victor Ulloa returning to the starting XI in place of Christian Makoun.
Match Action
The match opened at an even pace, with Inter Miami creating a handful of chances through quick transition opportunities sprung by Leandro González Pirez. The team’s first significant chance came in the 12th minute; Morgan stepped over a free kick from just outside of the box and struck a curling left-footed effort on target that drew a save from Sean Johnson.
In the 21st minute New York took the lead; a cross by Maxi Moralez from the right wing found Valentín Castellanos in the box, who headed his shot inside the far post for the opening goal.
Despite a strong response from Inter Miami, with the team winning several corners and creating a handful of chances, it would be the hosts who scored again next. In first-half added time, a penalty was called for a handball in the box by Inter Miami; Castellanos stepped up and converted his effort from the spot for his second goal of the match and a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.
Inter Miami made a slew of changes throughout the second half -- with Indiana Vassilev, Julián Carranza, Christian Makoun, Federico Higuaín and Jay Chapman all being introduced before the match ended -- but it wasn’t enough as New York maintained its 2-0 advantage through the final whistle.
Post-Match Reaction
"Obviously we are disappointed that the run comes to an end," said head coach Phil Neville. “I think we have to bounce back because of the two [upcoming] home games. We know the importance of the two home games. They’re [against] teams that are around us in the conference. There’s no time to mope, there’s no time to point fingers...You just have to lick your wounds and move on.”
Next Match
Inter Miami will return to South Florida and face a quick turnaround ahead of the team’s next match on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET when it takes on Chicago Fire FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
