Player Ratings From Inter Miami's 2-0 Victory vs. FC Cincinnati

The Herons are flying high.

Aug 26, 2024

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami is in!

The Herons have clinched their first playoff spot since 2022 with a rather emotional 2-0 win over rivals FC Cincinnati.

Heading into this game after their Leagues Cup loss to eventual champions Columbus Crew, Miami was determined to bounce back from that disappointment.

“After the game, like I said yesterday in the press conference before the match, I believe that we're strengthened by the Columbus game without doubt,” Tata Martino said after Saturday’s win.

“What happened tonight showed it.”

For Miami, an additional Leagues Cup trophy would’ve been a nice addition to the team’s trophy cabinet. Ultimately, it looks like the squad is laser-focused on their next challenge: Winning MLS Cup.

Here are Player Ratings from Inter Miami’s win over Cincinnati.

Goalkeeping, Defense:

🧤 Drake Callender - 9: Probably one of the best games Callender has played in an Inter Miami shirt. He was quick off his line, commanded his box, and kept a clean sheet for the first time since May.
💨 Jordi Alba - 7.9: Was his usual active self down the flank. Maybe not as busy on the left side, but still played a key role in helping Miami keep a clean sheet.
🧉 David Martinez - 8.5: Phenomenal game from Martinez. Was integral in helping the Herons keep a clean sheet and had several last-ditch tackles that were fantastic feats of athleticism.
🧮 Sergio Busquets - 8.3: Made MLS Team of the Week for his display. Kept the team in rhythm and had an incredible defensive performance against a tough Cincinnati attack.
🦌 Tomas Avilés - 5.6: Well..
🎻 Marcelo Weigandt 8.1: Got the assist on Suárez’s opener. Didn’t have any glaring defensive blunders. Good overall game from the Argentine.

Midfield:

🐞 Federico Redondo - 7.5: Besides being Busquets’ eerily similar re-gen, Redondo has a great engine and stamina that makes him a great player in the middle of the park for Miami. He showed that and then some when the team went down to 10 men.
☀️ Yannick Bright - 8.3: Bright must start every game for Miami going forward. No, an elaboration won’t be necessary. The Italian’s performances speak for themselves.
✌️ Diego Gómez - 8: Another good game from Gomez. There isn’t another player on Miami’s roster who fits his player profile. His tenacious energy is infectious. Bright’s production in the final third is lethal. He’ll be a crucial cog in the machine as Miami looks to win MLS Cup.

Attack:

💉 Matias Rojas - 8.5: Another short cameo from the Paraguayan due to no fault of his own. Got the assist on Suarez’s second.
🔫 Luis Suárez - 9.5: Uhm, so. Just sit back and witness greatness, I suppose.

Substitutes:

🍳 Ian Fray - 8.3: A monster game from the youngster when he came on. Did well to lock down Cincinnati and stymie their attacking attempts.
💪 Benjamin Cremaschi - 7: Had a couple of breakaway moments that he should’ve capitalized on, but couldn’t quite connect with Suarez.
💈 David Ruiz - N/A: Didn’t play long enough to warrant a rating.
🛎️ Leonardo Campana- N/A: Didn’t play long enough to warrant a rating.
🏋️ Serhiy Kryvtsov - N/A: Didn’t play long enough to warrant a rating.

Coaching:

🔢 Tata Martino - 8: Unlike the match against Columbus, got the substitutions spot on. Though Suarez could’ve been taken off earlier for Campana, the tactical switch to keep the back five intact was a smart one, which paid off in the end for the Herons.

Agree? Disagree? Leave a comment below! Let’s discuss it!