Azcona on Historic Debut: “It feels very special to be the first one”

By Inter Miami CF

May 5^th, 2021

“There [would be] nothing prouder than seeing a Homegrown Player come through our system and playing at the highest level.”

That was the view of Inter Miami owner and President of Soccer Operations David Beckham earlier this year, and a recurring message from the Club’s ownership since its foundation.

On Sunday, Edison Azcona fulfilled that dream, becoming the first Homegrown Inter Miami CF Academy product to feature for the First Team. The 17-year-old winger came on as a second-half substitute, playing the final 23 minutes of a hard-fought draw with Eastern Conference opponents Nashville SC.

“It’s very exciting to know that the coaches believe in me and that all of the hard work I’ve put in is paying off,” said Azcona. “It feels very special to be the first one, knowing all the faith the Club has put in me and hopefully I have been able to repay them.”

Azcona on Historic Debut: “It feels very special to be the first one”

Despite the magnitude of the moment, Azcona quickly found his comfort doing what he does best.

“At first when I was standing at the halfway line, I was a little bit nervous. I didn’t want to mess up, I knew I had to go in and make an impact. But after I stepped on the field I felt comfortable and I think I did well.

“I felt very excited to represent Inter Miami. I was also very comfortable once I came into the game because I knew all the players had my back and they trust me, and I trust them and I have their backs.”

Azcona’s teammates and coaches recognized the importance of the milestone, taking the time to commemorate the occasion following the final whistle.

“After the game, all the players and coaches were very supportive and they all congratulated me. Phil [Neville] congratulated me in the group and told me that this is how hard work pays off. Coach Jason [Kreis] also gave me a ball and all the players signed it for me. That was very special, it’ll be a special memory for the future.”

Though he’s just 17 years old, reaching this point in his career took tremendous work from Azcona. The young winger advanced through the Club’s development pathway, beginning with the U-17 team before making his professional debut with Fort Lauderdale CF as an academy-registered player in 2020, and eventually earning a Homegrown contract and making his First Team debut.

Along the way, Azcona received invaluable lessons from the coaching staffs across the Club’s different levels.

“From coach Javi [Morales] to coach Jason [Kreis], Darren [Powell], Pato [Martin Paterson], and everybody on the First Team staff now, I’m very grateful for them. They’ve always believed in me and they always pushed me. I’m very thankful for that.”

Despite his young age, Azcona hopes he can serve as inspiration to the Inter Miami CF Academy players hoping to follow in his footsteps and one day represent their hometown at the MLS level.

“I think it’s going to be very good for other Academy players that might look up to me and want to play on the First Team as well.

“Within our Academy, all the age groups have a lot of talent. I believe we’ll see many other Homegrowns playing on the First Team.”

For Azcona, however, his debut is just the beginning.

“I’m going to keep working hard, pushing to get more minutes, and hopefully eventually earn a starting spot.”

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