Inter Miami Oppo Research: NYCFC
+ Plus a Benja Cremaschi update.
photo credit: NYCFC
Welcome back to another installment of “Oppo Research” where I preview all of Inter Miami’s 2024 MLS regular season opponents.
This weekend, Miami takes on the other New York* team, NYCFC.
After a difficult loss to the Red Bulls that had Tata Martino reflecting on the team’s spirit, it’s only natural that the Herons will likely have an emphatic response this Saturday.
As far as player availability goes, Inter Miami will have the likes of Diego Gomez, Federico Redondo, and Drake Callender this weekend. But Nicolas Freire and Lionel Messi are aiming for returns when Miami takes on Monterrey next Wednesday.
*The Red Bulls technically play in New Jersey, lol.
Manager: Nick Cushing
Projected Formation XI vs. Inter Miami: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3
Previous Result: 1-0 loss against FC Cincinnati
Current Record: 1W-0D-4L
Key Players:
Monsef Bakrar, 23, forward. The Algerian striker will presumably be leading the line for the Pigeons this weekend. However, through four games played this season, the 23-year-old has yet to score a goal. Inter Miami’s defense would like to keep it that way.
James Sands, 23, central midfield. Sands has always been a standout in NYCFC’s midfield. Will cover tons of ground and will look to disrupt Miami’s offensive flow.
Santiago Rodriguez, 24, attacking midfield. NYCFC’s nucleus in attack, he’ll be NYCFC’s main danger man going forward.
Keaton Parks, 26, defensive midfield. Like Sands, Parks will look to stymie anything from Miami’s offensive end.
Weaknesses:
Well, considering that the team is currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just three goals scored through five matches, NYCFC is a team that’s currently struggling to get goals.
Though Miami’s unathletic backline is well-known to the rest of the league, playing at home usually favors the Herons, and they should be able to limit anything NYC attempts in the final third.
Cremaschi’s Back!
Do you think Miami will bounce back from last week’s result? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
I’d say they bounce back this week, especially with some key players being back. I’m optimistic!
I’ll be disappointed if they don’t. All of our players need to play with confidence and commitment, especially when Messi isn’t available.