It was a true team performance from Inter Miami on the road against CF Montreal Saturday evening, as it was an “off night” for their superstar, Lionel Messi.
The Argentine’s first game across all competitions this year without a goal contribution, others had to step up – and boy, did they.
A 3-2 victory for Miami, goals from Matias Rojas, Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi carried them to victory on the road in Canada.
However, things started on a bleak – yet familiar – note for Miami: a defensive disaster.
The hosts scored two unanswered to begin the match, with goals in the 22nd and 32nd minute. However, also in familiar fashion, Miami capitalized on their own attacking momentum.
On just his third appearance in a Miami kit, Rojas scored a goal-of-the-season contender with an audacious free kick in the 44th minute, and Luis Suarez leveled the match just two minutes later before the halftime whistle with a sneaky back-post finish.
The Uruguayan’s 11th of the MLS season, he found himself on the scoresheet for the fifth-straight league match.
Cremaschi, meanwhile, scored his second goal of his campaign as he looks to earn a spot with the USMNT at the Paris Olympics. The 19-year-old found the game-winner, with Rojas assisting, to earn a massive three points.
On a night where their talisman proved he was human, the Herons stepped up to allow Lionel Messi a break, while still finding a result.
GOAL rates Inter Miami’s players from Stade Saputo…
Goalkeeper & Defense
Drake Callender (5/10):
Continues to be a weak spot on the back line for Miami. He was beaten poorly on the near-post early, and looked too cautious all game.
Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):
Caught out of position on the opening goal, but put on a passing clinic otherwise. Just needs to be 90 minutes ready.
Serhiy Kryvtsov 6/10):
Had a good second half, but struggled through the first 30 minutes or so.
Nicolas Freire (6/10):
Was missing his partner Tomas Aviles – who missed out due to yellow card accumulation. Freire was solid, but definitely struggled with his pairing.
Franco Negri (7/10):
Good up and down the flank, but he’s no Jordi Alba. A solid performance, nonetheless.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Did exactly what was asked of him. Linked all ends of the pitch together and owned the midfield.
Julian Gressel (6/10):
Struggled to influence the match, and often found himself out of position.
Benjamin Cremaschi (9/10):
A sensational midfield performance. A very composed finish for his second goal of the season, and a passing clinic in the center of the pitch.
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Attack
Lionel Messi (7/10):
A… normal performance? He was good, he did everything you’d expect from an attacking player on the pitch; he connected passes, made runs, drew fouls and created opportunities. However, this was his first match this season without a goal contribution.
Luis Suarez (7/10):
Got his goal and did exactly what he was supposed to do. The veteran striker drew defenders away in the box, linked up play and offered an attacking option on every counter.
Matias Rojas (9/10):
He looks like an incredible signing early on. A goal and an assist tonight, Rojas ran the show in the attack, and was Miami’s best player on the night.
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Subs & Manager
Robert Taylor (7/10):
Was a menace after entering mifway through the second half. Had a brilliant shot that should have gone in – if not for an outstanding save.
David Ruiz (6/10):
Subbed on midway through the second half, but failed to make a notable impact.
Ryan Sailor (NA):
Subbed on with 11 minutes to spare, helped close things out.
Yannick Bright (NA):
Entered with Sailor, helped the midfield shut things down.
Leonardo Campana (NA):
Entered with minutes to spare.
Tata Martino (8/10):
Inserting Rojas into his XI was the best decision he made all night. However, it’s still baffling as to how Miami concede early with defensive woes. Martino needs to sort out his back line if the Herons want to be title contenders.
