Inter Miami CF II earned a 3-3 draw against the New York Red Bulls II this afternoon in the team’s first away match of the 2024 MLS Next Pro regular season. The draw featured two exciting goals from forward Leo Afonso and a goal from Academy product Daniel Pinter in what was his professional debut. The match also saw midfielder's Jack Pymm first assist of the 2024 MLS Next Pro season. The home side earned earned the extra point in penalties after the draw in regulation.
The Herons’ starting XI featured Cole Jensen in goal; Nyk Sessock, Tyler Hall, Tye Barton and Samuel Basabe made up the back four; captain Santiago Morales, Yannick Bright, and Pep Casas started in midfield; forwards Pymm, Afonso and Bryan Destin lead the team’s attack.
The hosts opened up the match with an early goal in the 8th minute, with New York Red Bulls' Julian Hall finding the back of the net.
Inter Miami II, however, struck back with a goal by Afonso in the 40th minute to level the scoring 1-1 following Pymm's first assist of the season.
The Red Bulls would then regain the lead early in the second half through two goals from forward Ibrahim Kasule in the 51st and 67th minutes.
Inter Miami was then able to cut into the host's lead by one with a fantastic free kick from Afonso in the 80th minute to secure his brace in the match and take his tally for the season to four.
The visitors then leveled the scoring in exciting fashion in the dying moments, with debutant Pinter tying the match at 3-3 with his first professional goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
The scoreline then held until the final whistle with Inter Miami II earning a point on the road with the 3-3 draw in regulation; the hosts subsequently earned an extra point by winning in penalties (4-3.)
Notably, this match saw professional debuts of Inter Miami CF II Academy products Mateo Turletti, Mateo Saja, and Pinter.
The Herons will hit the road once again next week to take on in-state rival Orlando City B on Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. ET.
