Inter Miami continues its march towards a return to competitive play this week with continued full team training at Inter Miami CF Training Center. With three weeks to go before the start of the MLS is Back Tournament, the players are looking to sharpen their games in order to succeed in Orlando.
“It’s very important for us to get good results and to compete,” said midfielder Victor Ulloa. “The approach is that we want to go over there and win. We’re playing for very important things, [including] the berth in Concacaf Champions League, which I know is an objective that the coach wants to do and for us as well it would be a great accomplishment to do that in our first year.”
“I think everybody knows what’s at stake, prize money and a spot in Champions League,” said rookie right back Dylan Nealis. “Everybody is taking this approach the same as regular season: one day at a time, one game at a time.”
Now that the team has a concrete date and opponent to look forward to for its first game in the tournament, the players have been able to lock in on a matchup with Orlando City on July 8.
“It changes everything. We’re excited, we’re counting down the days,” said Ulloa. “It’s three weeks from kickoff and we’re excited to go down there and get going.”
To ramp up preparations for the tournament, the team practiced at Inter Miami CF Stadium on Saturday, June 13. It marked the second occasion the players were able to take to the field to play at what will be their home ground.
“It was unbelievable,” said Nealis. “It was different from that first time with all those fans there supporting us, but it had the same feel. That stadium is our home. We’re looking forward to playing in it eventually whenever that time comes. “
Both Ulloa and Nealis had a message for fans, asking for their continued support ahead of a crucial competition for the Club.
“Keep supporting us. We’re fighting for you,” said Ulloa. “We’re anxious to get on the field and we hope that we can get back to playing in front of you guys soon.”
“I wish they could be there with us in Orlando,” said Nealis. “I hope they will be rooting us on and cheering for us at home and hopefully watching us win the final.”
