Inter Miami Fall to Vasco da Gama in a 3-0 Loss | The Heron Outlet
La RosaNegra kicked off their pre-season friendlies with what was a rather...chippy match vs. Vasco da Gama.
photo credit: Inter Miami CF
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Inter Miami kicked off their pre-season slate of friendlies with a 3-0 loss against Brazilian side Vasco da Gama.
Phil Neville’s team looked to keep possession and build out through the center-backs in a largely experimental match for the Herons.
Though it’s only pre-season, watching the game, it’s clear that Miami wants to be a side that progresses the ball out of the back, switching it from side to side to their fullbacks until they find an opening in the opponent’s final third.
While they lost, there were plenty of interesting talking points to discuss from this game.
Here are three takeaways from Miami’s loss against Vasco da Gama.
No Wingers!
The Herons lined up in an expansive 4-3-1-2. Throughout the game, Neville did not change or tweak the formation.
That could indicate that the men in pink will be rolling with the diamond in midfield as the season moves closer.
With Ariel Lassiter, Jake LaCava, and Robbie Robinson lining up as pure center forwards and not a single wide player being used, the South Florida side looks like they have a set way of playing.
All they need is to work on is their passing in the final third and it’s a system that could be successful for them.
The Kids Are Alright
Most of Miami’s presumed starting eleven started the game in the first half. In the second forty-five, however, the match came to life.
Players like Jake LaCava and David Ruiz stood out as Miami pushed for an equalizer.
Edison Azcona had a couple of moments of brilliance as well.
Still, Some Work To Do
Lastly, it’s evident the team still has much work to do.
Neville even said as much:
There were times during the match where the first touches were sloppy, some passes were missed, and the communication just wasn’t there.
As they continue through pre-season, the Herons need to get sharper if they want to attain their 2023 goals.
Let's hope this Inter Miami Football Club can get this machine well oiled up during the preseason so we don't have to hear them excuses again once the football season begins.