Inter Miami CF earned a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday evening. The team was led to victory by Ariel Lassiter, who scored his first MLS goal for Inter Miami, and Robert Taylor, who scored his first Inter Miami goal. The result extended the team’s unbeaten run at home to five matches and marked its second consecutive clean sheet.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami’s starting XI for the match featured just one change from its midweek draw against the Philadelphia Union. Callender started in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Damion Lowe, Ryan Sailor, and Chris McVey lined up in defense; Gregore, Bryce Duke, and Jean Mota remained as the midfield three; Indiana Vassilev and Ariel Lassiter started on the wings, flanking striker Leonardo Campana.
Lowe and Callender retained spots in the starting XI after earning MLS Team of the Week honors for week 12 after their stellar defensive performances against Philadelphia. Defender Aimé Mabika and attacker Robbie Robinson, meanwhile, returned to the matchday squad after recovering from injuries.
Match Action
Early chances by Gregore and Duke put pressure on the visitors, while Callender on the other end helped keep New York scoreless, including with a crucial save in the 24th minute one-on-one with Patryk Klimala.
Minutes later, Inter Miami opened the scoring; Lassiter received a pass from Duke on the left wing, sized up his defender, cut in with a stepover, beat two defenders and curled a right-footed effort inside the far post for a 1-0 lead. The goal was Lassiter’s first in MLS this season and third across all competitions, while the assist was Duke’s first for Inter Miami. The goal sent the hosts into halftime with a lead.
The second half saw Inter Miami continue to control possession at an increasing rate, while the team continued to defend stoutly. Notably, Callender made another standout save in the 70th minute, diving to deny a powerful shot, while Sailor and Lowe denied New York attackers.
In the 88th minute, Inter Miami scored the goal that secured the win; Gregore hit a ball down the right wing for Gonzalo Higuaín, who did well to fend off Sean Nealis, turned and found Taylor’s run behind the defense, who then hit a splitting pass to Ulloa in front of goal. The midfielder patiently held possession, waited for defenders to close on him and passed the ball back to Taylor, who calmly finished to double the lead. The goal was Taylor’s first for the club, while the assist was Ulloa’s first of the season.
Heineken Man of the Match
Callender was once again voted Heineken Man of the Match, marking his second consecutive match receiving the honor, as well as his second consecutive clean sheet.
Post-Match Reaction
“I’m really pleased," said head coach Phil Neville. "There’s a great spirit and togetherness there’s a great belief that we are headed in the right direction. We are now beginning to make DRV PNK Stadium a tough place to go."
Next Match
Inter Miami will face a quick turnaround ahead of its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match against Orlando City SC this Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m. ET at Exploria Stadium.
Individual match tickets for each remaining regular season home match on the Inter Miami CF schedule are available visiting https://www.intermiamicf.com/tickets/single. Fans can also call 305-428-0611 to learn more.
Bitcoin Pizza Day presented by XBTO
DRV PNK Stadium also hosted Bitcoin Pizza Day presented by XBTO at Sunday’s match. Desmond Raffety was announced at halftime as the lucky fan who took home $4,999 worth of Bitcoin to mark the occasion.
Stats
Possession:
MIA - 46.4%
RBNY - 53.6%
Shots:
MIA - 11
RBNY - 15
Saves:
MIA - 4
RBNY - 2
Corners:
MIA - 8
RBNY - 10
Fouls:
MIA - 10
RBNY - 13
