Noel Cabrera
Sports Editor
Inter Miami FC has been building itself up from scratch for quite a while now to be able to compete in the MLS.
The owner, David Beckham, and Co. has been busily engaged in creating this deemed to be a great soccer club in South Florida.
This fresh out the wound soccer team in South Florida has made quite a splash so far.
Inter Miami has made some head-turning acquisitions and moves this offseason, as of the most recent in acquiring International Mexico player Rodolfo Pizzaro, from Liga MX champions Monterrey.
Inter Miami had their first-ever preseason opener against Philadelphia Union in St.Peterburg, Florida on Feb 15.
Losing in a tight one 2-1, the final goal scored was by Philadelphia in the 86th minute. Going to show Inter Miami didn’t let up easily, they actually were down 1-0 until Pizzaro scored the tying goal in the 33rd minute.
Pizzaro had his presence felt in his debut in the preseason opener against Philadelphia, as he had the highlight of the game scoring the only goal for Inter Miami as well as celebrating his 26th birthday along came the celebration for the game-tying goal scored against Philadelphia.
The club reportedly paid Pizarro $12 million to get him from Monterrey, which was said to be quite a difficult process.
When asked during a media conference if Pizzaro was the most expensive signing in MLS history, Inter Miami Sporting Director Paul McDonough answered with an emphatic, “No.”
Pizzaro is also reuniting with his former coach, the head coach of Inter Miami Diego Alonso.
“I think Pizzaro is a star,” McDonough said. “Maybe not a global star, but in his region, he’s 26-years-old, played for the Mexican national team. He’s one, and I would consider Pizzaro a star.”
After announcing the signing of Argentinian stand out Matias Pellegrini as their first Designated Player last year, a multitude of big names have been linked to joining Inter Miami.
In Pizzaro they trust, Miami believes they have their man, for now. He may not be the last major piece to arrive before the window is closed for signings on May 7.
In a post-game press conference, Lee Nguyen, a midfielder for Inter Miami, stated, “I don’t think we’re trying to focus on one player right now but you can clearly see he’s got qualities and he’s going to help the team for sure.”
Head Coach Diego Alonso said he was pleased with the team’s performance, but the squad still has plenty of improving to do.
The youth on this team has quite a flair that stands out, but the team is still grounded with MLS veterans, led by Luis Robles, Will Trapp and Roman Torres.
The trio has 489 MLS regular-season appearances as well as 53 Audi MLS Cup Playoff matches played.
In the modern game, versatility plays a huge role in winning. Luckily, Miami has that and is at least two deep in every position.
Miami’s roster is not as dominant as what could have been expected but it will do for now as the team continues to build.
“With the city of Miami, with the ownership group we have, the ambition, a lot of players want to come here…we’re going through the process of finding out what’s legitimate, what’s not really achievable, because there are some prices that are just not achievable for MLS teams now,” McDonough said to the press.
McDonough stated clearly, “I want to be responsible with the owners’ money and I want to be responsible to the team because our expectation is to win.”
Inter Miami FC, in their first-ever regular-season opener, looks to play against LAFC on March 1.
cabrn9@mail.broward.edu
