DRV Pink Stadium – A rambunctious crowd of 17,655 at DRV Pink Stadium witnessed Inter Miami CF win a Season Opener for the first time in the club’s history, a 2-0 victory over CF Montreal. New additions Sergii Kryvtsov and Shanyder Borgelin scored a goal a piece to lead the way for Miami.
Striker Leo Campana was out of the Starting XI due to a calf injury and was replaced by Corentin Jean who took his spot on the pitch next to Josef Martinez.
Early on match action was sloppy and slow by both teams, with little buildup and slow progressions being the norm. Near the 10′ minute Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender tried to clear a ball from his area but instead gave a pass to CF Montreal player Sunusi Ibrahim, who took a wicked shot to the far post, Callender dove making a magnificent save to atone for his mistake.
After the 16′ minute, Inter Miami began to take control of the match pinning Montreal on their own half of the pitch. Miami had possession but could not break through to score until the 41′ minute. Jean Mota served a corner kick into the box that was grazed by Gregore and found its way to Sergii Kryvtsov, who pushed the ball into goal with his chest. The Ukrainian scored his first MLS goal in his debut at home with Inter Miami CF.
Gregore ➡️Sergii to give us a 1-0 lead at #DRVPNKStadium 😤 VAMOSSSS#MIAvMTL | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/3ZZFXk25eR
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 26, 2023
The Herons went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
CF Montreal began the second half full steam ahead with several scoring opportunities to tie the game, but unfortunately for the Canadians, it would not be their night. Montreal either had their shots blocked by a brilliant Drake Callender, or simply misfired on great scoring chances.
Haitian striker and Inter Miami Homegrown Player Shanyder Borgelin scored off a put-back in the 76′ minute to give Miami the final 2-0 result and ignite the party at the stadium.
Borgelin with the put back for the 2-0 lead..#InterMiamiCF #MLS https://t.co/sawMiVgsIC
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) February 26, 2023
Press Conference
I asked a couple of questions during the press conference where Coach Neville and Sergii Kryvtsov were made available to the media, but it was Neville’s answer to a colleague’s question that intrigued me,
“We spoke before the game about the start of the journey, I do feel that this isn’t the start of the journey, I feel that it’s a continuation of the journey we started last season.”
Last season Neville was able to consolidate a good core group of players for Miami despite having to navigate MLS sanctions. A total of nineteen new players came together to find a way to make it to the playoffs. The motley bunch bought into the vision, culture, and leadership that Neville provided and then went on a most improbable run. If this season is a continuation of that journey, it’s going to be fascinating to watch.
Press conference questions for Coach Neville & Heineken Man of the Match Sergii Kryvtsov..#InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/0vbVjxPZBp
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) February 26, 2023
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami CF has more points after one game than they did last season after the first five games. Last campaign Miami began the season with a tie and then proceeded to lose the next four games. It’s always good to begin a campaign on the right foot, or the left if Messi is on your squad. The win could be a good omen for the Herons and their aspirations for the season.
Rodolfo Pizarro played a strong game Saturday night for Miami. The Joker was aggressive and energetic throughout the match, running all over the pitch. Let’s hope he provides quality and leadership for Inter Miami all season long.
Early on I like @Rpizarrot energy and aggressiveness..#InterMiamiCF #MLS
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) February 26, 2023
Nico Stefanelli didn’t have a great game, but there were moments where he showed he has the skill set to help the Herons contend this season. I’m sure that as he continues to play MLS games he will get better and better.
Josef Martinez is not completely fit yet, but he was giving a good effort pestering the Montreal defenders during his time on the pitch. When Josef and Leo Campana find their stride together, it should lead to a lot of fireworks in the form of goals-scoring action.
Franco Negri and Sergii Kryvtsov paid immediate dividends for the Miami defense. Negri was up and down the sideline for the Herons while also defending at a high rate. Sergii scored and was a stalwart in the center of the Heron backline. It looks like they picked up two good players.
The season has only begun, but it began in a positive manner for the Herons. The stadium was full, the fans were hyped and the team played a good game winning at home. Next week comes a tough challenge in the Philadelphia Union, the defending Eastern Conference Champions. DRV Stadium, ” The Nest” should be rocking for an encore performance from Miami.
Honorary Black Heron United ! @blackheronsutd #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/79NfAe4CYs
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) February 25, 2023
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