Three Observations from Inter Miami’s Smash and Grab Win Over Toronto FC

Suárez and Campana save the day.

Oct 05, 2024

photo credit: Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami is just one win away from the all-time MLS single-season points record after beating Toronto FC 1-0.

Set by the New England Revolution in 2021, the men in pink - funny enough, need to beat the Revs when they return to Chase Stadium on October 19th to clinch the record.

As for the match against Toronto? Nothing came easy for Tata Martino’s men.

John Herdman’s squad was well-organized defensively, and clogged the middle of the field, forcing Miami to find other ways to score.

Ultimately, it took Luis Suárez and some clinical finishing ability from Leo Campana to seal all three points for the Herons.

Here are Three Observations from Inter Miami’s win over Toronto.

1.) Defense Plays Well - particularly Noah Allen

Although the headlines will go to Campana and Suárez for the last-minute link-up, some acknowledgment should be made about Miami’s defensive effort throughout the match.

The back five of Julian Gressel, Tomas Avilés, Sergiy Kryvtsov, Noah Allen, and Franco Negri played well as a unit and kept a clean sheet for the first time since August 24th.

Allen, especially had a brilliant game. The youngster looked composed, defensively stable, and physically prepared for what Toronto threw at him.

With David Martinez close to full fitness, Allen may see his minutes reduced. But, with his current form, Miami knows they have a capable defender ready to step in at a moment’s notice.

2.) Ustari Debut

Deciding to give Drake Callender a rest, Tata and his coaching staff elected to give Oscar Ustari his first start since joining the club a few months prior:

Though the Argentine didn’t have much to do, he looked sharp, commanded his box well, and organized the defense ahead of him to the best of his ability.

Even when there were nervy moments, Ustari played the role of ‘sweeper keeper’ well, snuffing out fires before they began to grow.

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3.) One Win Away

Lastly, Inter Miami is just one win away from setting the MLS all-time regular season record.

Though Tata was nonchalant about it in his post-match conference, it’s obvious (mainly based on the team’s hunger to win) that the squad will look to clinch to record at home in two weeks.

Thoughts about the match? Let me know in the comments!