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RECAP: Inter Miami CF Kicks Off 2021 Season at DRV PNK Stadium

Presented by Powerful Nutrition

By Inter Miami CF

April 19^th, 2021

RECAP: Inter Miami CF Kicks Off 2021 Season at DRV PNK Stadium

Inter Miami CF (0-1-0, 0 points) kicked off the 2021 MLS regular season, falling 2-3 against the LA Galaxy (1-0-0, 3 points) in a tight matchup in which Robbie Robinson and Gonzalo Higuaín scored the team’s first goals of the season. The match at the newly christened DRV PNK Stadium had the largest-ever crowd in attendance, with 7,939 fans in the stands, and was broadcast live on ABC and ESPN Deportes.

Match Action

The match began with Inter Miami on the front foot, creating danger throughout much of the first half; a pair of shots from Pizarro in the 18th and 29th minutes signaled the team’s attacking intent. In the 32nd minute, good pressing from Matuidi won possession for the hosts and played the ball to Higuaín. The striker then cut in on his left foot and delivered a curling left-footed shot heading for the inside of the far post that drew a diving save from the goalkeeper.

Inter Miami eventually found its breakthrough goal just before half time; Pizarro played a pass over the top for Higuaín who made a run in behind and layed a square ball Robinson at the far post, who slotted it into the back of the net for his first professional goal.

In the 62nd minute, however, the Galaxy scored an equalizing goal; a low cross from Ethan Zubak found Chicharito in the box, who turned and scored to make it 1-1.

Minutes later, Inter Miami reclaimed its lead; Robinson made a driving run past defenders from the left wing, cut in and played a pass into the box that found Pizarro. The Mexican international was cut down in the box and the referee whistled for a penalty, which Higuaín stepped up to take and slotted into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead.

In the 73rd minute, however, the Galaxy once again equalized; the ball found Chicharito at the back post after a scramble following a cross, who slotted it into the back of the net to make it 2-2- and for his second goal of the match. The visitors eventually claimed the lead for the first time in the 81st minute when Sacha Kljestan struck a shot from the edge of the box that hit the post and found the back of the net. The Galaxy maintained its 2-3 lead through the final whistle, leaving with the victory.

Lineup Notes

Inter Miami opened the match with an XI featuring three players making their debuts for the team in Gregore, Joevin Jones and Kelvin Leerdam. The remaining eight players - Nicolás Figal, Leandro González Pirez, Higuaín, Blaise Matuidi, John McCarthy, Lewis Morgan, Rodolfo Pizarro and Robinson - were all returning for a second season. In addition, Edison Azcona made history by becoming the first Inter Miami CF Academy product to feature in an Inter Miami matchday squad.

Man of the Match

Robinson was voted Man of the Match in the Inter Miami CF App for his performance in the team's home opener. The young forward excelled on the left wing, stretching the defense with relentless running and notching the first professional goal of his career.

Milestones

The match was marked by a number of milestones for Inter Miami, including team debuts for the aforementioned starters, as well as second-half substitutes Sami Guediri and Josh Penn. It also saw an Inter Miami CF Academy product on the First Team bench for the first time in Homegrown Azcona, and saw Robinson notch his first Inter Miami goal, which was the first of the season for the Club and his first at the professional level.

It also marked head coach Phil Neville’s first match in charge of Inter Miami, which was also his first as the head coach of a club team. Robinson score his first goal as a professional. Lastly, the match saw an Inter Miami CF Academy product on the First Team bench for the first time in Homegrown Azcona.

Two Inter Miami executives were also involved in milestone moments on the afternoon; Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson witnessed his first competitive match since assuming his position with Inter Miami, and owner and President of Soccer Operations David Beckham was able to take in a home match in person for the first time.

Celebrity Audience

DRV PNK Stadium hosted celebrity audience members for Inter Miami's home opener, including seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady, and star singer and songwriter Becky G and Pharrell Williams.

MLS commissioner Don Garber was also on-hand to take in the afternoon's proceedings at DRV PNK Stadium.

12th Man

The match at the newly christened DRV PNK Stadium set a Club record for fans in attendance with 7,939 fans in the stands.

“[The atmosphere] was amazing, I’ve said so many times that I think we have the best fans in the league. It’s a great support, it’s the 12th-man as they say. We need that, we need the continued support and it’s amazing to see really.”

Post-Match Reactions

Following the match, Neville expressed positivity despite the result. He pointed to the positive atmosphere and effort from the players as promising signs moving forward.

"I’m pleased with all the players, I think their attitude, commitment, I saw a team with style, a team that was together, and now see a team that's hurting in the dressing room because they feel as if they should have gotten something from the game and that’s the work that we need to continue to need to put into these players,” said head coach Phil Neville. “It’s going to be a long road and there’s going to be bumps along the road. Today was a bump but I think we showed some good signs today that we can have success.”

Match that Never Was

Inter Miami finally faced the LA Galaxy 13 months after its scheduled home debut against the team was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the original match never took place, Sunday's match served as a more apt debut for DRV PNK Stadium with fans in attendance.

The Numbers

Despite the result, Inter Miami created the majority of the chances in the match with 19 shots (eight on target) to six from the Galaxy (five on target). The hosts also edged their opponents with six corners taken to three by the Galaxy.

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