Inter Miami Ends Pre-Season With A 2-2 Draw vs Austin FC | The Heron Outlet
Phil Neville shows some tactical flexibility that saw Inter Miami draw Austin FC in their final game of pre-season.
photo courtesy of Inter Miami CF
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Inter Miami closed out the 2023 pre-season Saturday with a 2-2 draw vs. Austin FC.
In their last chance to tweak tactics and get fit, the Herons played well, but it’s evident that the chemistry is slowly building.
Initially lining up in a 4-3-1-2, Miami played a possession-based style that saw them build through the wings.
Franco Negri, in particular, was very active on the left flank. He was comfortable in defense and active in attack, as he impacted the final third several times with his crossing and progressive passing.
After a competitive first half, Miami surrendered the opener in the 54th minute, when Rigoni snuck behind Harvey Neville and Drake Callender was only able to get a tip to the ball.
In the 60th minute, Neville switched Miami to a 4-2-3-1, with Bryce Duke as the #10, Rodolfo Pizarro and Corentin Jean as wingers, and Leo Campana as the sole striker up top.
They equalized less than two minutes later, showing Miami’s tactical flexibility and Neville’s ability to adapt mid-game.
The momentum continued when, five minutes after that, Rodolfo Pizarro bent a beautiful shot into the top right corner to give Miami a 2-1 lead.
However, the Herons could not secure a win to end preseason when four minutes before the end, Owen Wolff, son of Austin Head Coach Josh Wolff, matched Pizarro’s golazo with one of his own to even the match at two apiece.
"I was pleased with some of the play,” Neville said post-match. “The enjoyment and quality of chances. We tried one or two things."
Neville again had high praise for newcomers Nicholas Stefanelli, Sergii Kryvtsov, and Negri but saved extra commendations for the play of midfielder Bryce Duke.
"Bryce has been the best player in training,” Neville said. “Something different about him this year."
With the preseason now finished, Inter Miami set their sights on the season opener next Saturday, February 25th, against CF Montreal at DRV PNK Stadium.