Gonzalez demands Inter Miami defensive fix after San Diego draw
Inter Miami’s new manager Gonzalez has demanded an immediate defensive response after his first MLS match ended in a 2-2 draw with San Diego, despite Lionel Messi scoring again and Luis Suarez putting the hosts ahead late on.
Key takeaways
- Anders Dreyer struck twice for San Diego, including a late equaliser in Florida.
- Messi’s free-kick was his 20th MLS goal this season and his eighth set-piece goal in the league since 2023.
- Suarez scored in the 74th minute, but Miami could not protect their advantage.
- The Herons have now drawn four straight MLS matches.
- Miami are third in the Eastern Conference, 11 points behind leaders Nashville.
Gonzalez targets Miami’s defending
Gonzalez was left deeply unhappy with the way his side conceded, particularly after Dreyer found space from a ball played over Miami’s back line. The coach has only been in charge for four days and said the squad had not yet been able to train properly.
“Defensively, we need to be much stronger,” Gonzalez said. “We cannot make these defensive mistakes because they are costly. The final chance should never have occurred. It is unbelievable to be winning and then almost lose the match. Our goalkeeper was the reason we did not lose.”
San Diego had led early through Dreyer before Messi bent in a familiar free-kick to level the contest. The goal took the Argentine to 101 for Inter Miami, only days after he brought up 100 in the Campeones Cup win over Cruz Azul.
Suarez then appeared to have delivered the points when he scored with 16 minutes remaining. Dreyer, however, completed his double late on to extend Miami’s frustrating run of draws.
Campeones Cup focus questioned ahead of Columbus trip
Gonzalez felt the recent cup success may have affected his players’ concentration during the opening half. He said the team must meet the expectation of winning every fixture, while insisting the defensive shortcomings are his major concern.
“The Campeones Cup may have had an unconscious impact, especially early in the game, and perhaps there was some complacency,” he said. “There were positive things, but I have to work on the defensive details. That is what concerns me most.”
Inter Miami next travel to Columbus Crew on Sunday, looking to halt their four-match drawing sequence and reduce the deficit to Nashville. San Diego’s next assignment is away to Austin FC on Saturday.
