3 Observations from Inter Miami's Concrete Jungle Match vs. NYCFC

Soccer is silly, sometimes.

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

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Inter Miami nearly escaped from New York with all three points in a 1-1 draw versus NYCFC.

In a hot and muggy match, Miami struggled to set a real tempo due to NYCFC plugging the midfield and the small pitch dimensions.

While they managed to break through late in the second half, NYCFC continued to fight hard and scored a well-timed equalizer to deny Miami three points.

Despite the draw, Miami is still close to the Supporter’s Shield with just four games left in the MLS regular season.

Here are Three Observations from Miami’s draw vs. NYCFC.

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1.) Yankee Stadium Strikes Again

It’s well documented that NYCFC’s tenure at Yankee Stadium has been less than ideal for opposition teams. The small pitch dimensions, the grass overlay on the clay parts of the field, and the easily kicked-up bits of the pitch make it difficult for non-NYCFC sides.

Inter Miami learned that the hard way in their match against the Pigeons, unable to use the width of the field to their advantage.

While the men in pink tried to thread through balls down the left side, they couldn’t do so for large parts of the match.

The lone time the Herons managed a breakthrough was in the 75th minute, which ultimately led to Leo Campana getting the only Miami goal of the game.

Questionable playing surfaces aren't an excuse, but they do make it hard for Miami to consistently play the brand of football they want.

Oh well!

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2.) Busquets Is Missed

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

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In Miami’s last two away matches, there has been a glaring area in the middle of the pitch that’s been void of creativity.

Sergio Busquets’ soccer IQ, positional awareness, and vision were missed in both of Miami’s draws.

While he may not be the quickest player on the pitch, his presence on the ball and knack for creating chances out of thin air (besides Messi, of course) is a quality Miami sorely lacked against Atlanta and NYCFC.

Luckily, the Spaniard should return in a week when the Herons take on Charlotte at home.

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3.) Ref Didn’t Do Any Team Justice

Though he didn’t address it out right in the post-match conference, Tata Martino made a few sly remarks towards the referee. Nothing to get him significantly fined, but the comments stood out to those covering the game.

The biggest talking point is when he mentioned how there should’ve been a foul on Yannick Bright that would’ve likely won Miami the game.

Additionally, though this is mainly a personal supposition, had the ref stopped play when Noah Allen was injured, Campana wouldn’t have had to make a rash tackle.

In the end, while this draw may have felt like a loss for Miami, they’re still well in the Supporters Shield race with just four games left in the regular season.

They’re in a tough spot form-wise, but better now than in the playoffs, eh?

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Thought Miami could’ve gotten more out of the match? Let me know in the comments.