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Inter Miami CF vs Real Salt Lake City
Finally the anticipated 2024 season has arrived for Inter Miami CF as they've added another former Barcelona star in Luis Suarez. The Herons enter the season with many expectations after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup last season. They faced much criticism after a disastrous preseason tour that saw them fall badly in Saudi Arabia. They also faced harsh criticism from Hong Kong after Messi did not play. The season is here and so is Real Salt Lake visiting Chase Stadium to open up the season.
It was a sellout crowd at Chase Stadium and coming off an injury during the preseason, Messi looked like hid old self in midseason form. Messi would have a free-kick that was on target and it looked like it was going to be a goal but a goal-line clearance would keep it 0-0. The World Cup winner continues to have the highest selling jersey in the league with the jersey even being on backorder.
Inter Miami controlled the first half of play and what had everyone talking was a RSL player down injured and Messi continuing play by chipping the ball over him. What will be a question moving forward is starting Luis Suarez the right fit for the squad. Many believe that Leonardo Campana should be the one starting after shown chemistry with the Argentine last season.
The breakthrough from an impressive first half would arrive in the 39th minute from Robert Taylor. Taylor fired a shot that would receive a deflection from the keeper and find the back of the net for 1-0. The Finland international has had great success ever since ther arrival of Messi. Diego Gomez the best player in olympic qualifying in South America also had a great match.
The second half was a different tune as Real Salt Lake was putting immense pressure. It looked like Miami did not have the legs to run and the gaping holes in the defense which will have to be addressed moving forward. Chicho Arrango and his teammates had plenty of chances but just could not convert. In the 83rd minute on a counter attack it would be Gomez putting the match to bed.
Inter Miami CF would open the season with +3 after defeating Real Salt Lake City 2-0. As mentioned previously the defense will be a question moving forward for Martino's men. A squad with a lethal striker that does not miss his chances will definitely punish Miami with the amount of space they gave Salt Lake.
Next up for Inter Miami CF is a road match visiting the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday night.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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