Inter Miami CF II fell 6-2 against Chattanooga FC this afternoon at Finley Stadium in the first meeting between the sides this 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season.
The loss featured the second goal of the season for midfielder Alejandro Flores and forward Ryan Carmichael.
The Herons’ starting XI featured Owen Finnerty in goal; Nyk Sessock, Tyler Hall, Tye Barton and Samuel Basabe made up the back four; Bryan Destin, Flores, Ricardo Montenegro, and Pep Casas, started in midfield; Captain Santiago Morales and Carmichael lead the team’s attack.
The opponents opened the match with an early goal in the fifth minute, with Chattanooga’s
Jalen James finding the back of the net to take the 1-0 lead. Regardless, Miami opened up the half strong, instantly taking back control creating danger in the box.
Nevertheless, within a few minutes Morales kicked off a counter attack, passing it out wide to Destin on the wing, where he laid the ball off to Sessock, who then delivered a cross into the box for Flores to secure the Heron’s first goal of the match. The midfielder tallied his second professional goal of his career and this 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, leveling the match 1-1.
Despite Inter Miami’s efforts throughout the second half, it was the hosts that scored again to extend their lead with goals in the 35th, 40th, and 48th minute. The scoreline remained 4-1 through the first half.
Inter Miami II then opened the second half strong, taking advantage of momentum, with 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Carmichael securing his second professional goal in the 59th minute to shorten the host’s lead to 4-2. Miami kept the high intensity going and remained steady on the ball with great passes and all-around play. However, the hosts struck again in the 71st minute with McGrath making a brace, marking the scoreline 5-2.
In response, Inter Miami II turned up the pressure, creating several chances throughout the remainder of the match. Chattanooga was able to extend its lead with a goal in the 90th. The 6-2 scoreline held in favor of the hosts until the final whistle.
The Herons will hit the road once again next week to take on New England Revolution II on Sunday, April 28 at Mark A. Ouellette Stadium at 3 p.m. ET.
