Inter Miami CF In Shambles, Drop Their Fifth Consecutive Match

DRV PNK Stadium – FC Dallas handed Inter Miami CF its fifth consecutive loss with a 1-0 win on the road, US International Jesus Ferreira scored the game’s lone goal in the 27′ minute of the first half. Dallas ended a 12-game streak without a clean sheet and won its first game on the road this season. The loss leaves Miami in chaos, dropping the Herons to the twelfth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Kick Off

🔔Campana in the Starting XI for #InterMiamiCF.. Miami comes out with its heavy hitters, let’s hope they can deliver some goals against #DTID ..Goals have been sorely lacking lately… #MLS pic.twitter.com/fhxGjKBa0F

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 8, 2023

The match saw Leo Campana come back from injury to make his season debut in the Starting XI. Rodolfo Pizarro was benched in a somewhat surprising move, with the rest of the starters remaining the same as in the previous match against FC Cincinnati.

The early match action was rapid, with both teams pressing forward and creating chances on goal, FC Dallas had the better opportunities, but a gallant Drake Callender made some fantastic saves to keep the visitors from scoring.

15' – Save x2 💪#MIAvDAL pic.twitter.com/saScmkErUd

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 8, 2023

At the 27′ minute, Dallas got on the scoreboard with a Jesus Ferreira left-footed shot from inside the box. Geovane Jesus dribbled past Franco Negri and crossed the ball into Jesús Jiménez, the ball found its way to Ferreira who did not forgive and scored to put Dallas on top 1-0.

Doesn’t get much easier than this for @Jesusfcd27 #DTID 1 – 0 #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/LmSHP9wwxf

— 90min_US (@90min_us) April 9, 2023

The half would end 1-0 mercifully for Inter Miami CF, Dallas would only find the back of the net once despite several clear goal-scoring chances.

Second-half action once again had Inter Miami control possession but lacked purpose with the ball. FC Dallas was a more direct side, countering quickly on any Miami miscues and putting the Heron defense in a bind.

Referee Filip Dujic called a penalty kick in Miami’s favor near the end of the match, and the home crowd erupted with joy, however after a VAR review the call was overturned. The crowd booed the referee’s decision and continued to boo after the final whistle to end the match.

Inter Miami lost its fifth consecutive game and the frustration was palpable from everyone in the stadium. The players, the coach, and the fans all united in anguish and anger.

Postgame Press Conference

Coach Phil Neville did not mince words after the game, pointing out that he expects better performances from some of his players and that changes will be coming once the squad returns to action,

“We’ve got some players that are comfortable, and from now on those players won’t be comfortable anymore because they’re not playing to the levels I expect and we’ve got players that have not had opportunities that I think now deserve an opportunity. So, in two weeks’ time we’ll see that.”

Coach Neville talks about some players being too comfortable, and to expect changes within the next two weeks… Might be Phil’s last chance to right the ship .. #InterMiamiCF #MLS pic.twitter.com/OjUIvgqrT3

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 10, 2023

The house is burning for Inter Miami CF, a fifth loss in a row coming at home has the fanbase up in arms calling for changes. Phil Neville is the target of many of those requests, with some fans asking for his job. Phil will be the one making changes to the team, and we can expect to see players like Ariel Lassiter and Shanyder Borgelin get into the lineup. Harvey Neville is another player to watch for, as he has been productive in the minutes he has played.  This might be Phil’s last dance if upon return the squad doesn’t turn things around.

Dixon Arroyo, an Ecuadorean defensive midfielder for Emelec has been rumored to be the next signing for Inter Miami CF, specifically to fill the void left by the injury to Gregore. Rumors tend to be premature facts in sports, so expect an announcement soon from the club.

Here’s some highlights of Dixon Arroyo, Gregore’s possible replacement at the pivot for #InterMiamiCF.. #MLS

Dixon Arroyo – Image Sport https://t.co/RpfegRroDU via @YouTube

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) April 8, 2023

Neville was also a bit philosophical about the losing streak and the issues Miami is currently facing,

“I feel as if we’re so close, and yet so far,” Neville said. “We’re close to going on a winning run, scoring three or four goals, but we’re being punished. I take full responsibility. Last year we had a similar run and turned it around.”

Last season the team turned around its losing ways with the help of two difference makers, Alejandro Pozuelo and Gonzalo Higuain. Currently, the roster does not have that caliber of player, one that can change the outcome of a game with a spectacular pass or one that can make difficult goals look easy.

This roster in my estimation is more talented overall but is lacking the superstar players. If the season is to turn around it will take a total team effort, with individual improvements. The players that are not playing their best football must elevate their games, and fit into the team scheme.

Final Thoughts

DRV PNK Stadium was left ablaze Saturday night after Miami’s loss to FC Dallas. The boos rang down from the stands, the fans let out their frustrations with the team’s losing streak. Social media is full of “Fire Neville” comments, everyone has a solution and an opinion for the woes the team is facing.

Chaos surrounds Miami and the team is in shambles. If Phil Neville can somehow find a way to right the ship, it will be his greatest accomplishment as a coach to date. Even some of his most loyal supporters are asking for his head. The pressure is on the coach as all eyes are on him. The fans are watching, the league is watching.