Inter Miami CF Ties Austin FC 1-1 To Snap Seven Game Losing Streak

DRV PNK Stadium – Inter Miami CF snap a seven-game losing streak Saturday night with a 1-1 tie against the visiting Austin FC.  Josef Martinez scored his 103rd MLS goal to claim sole possession of 9th place in the All-Time Scorers list, while Nick Lima scored for The Verde.

Kick Off

Inter Miami CF came out in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robbie Robinson made his first start of the season after getting on the pitch for the first time in 2023 as a substitute against the Philadelphia Union the previous week.

Starting XI sees Robbie Robinson, Noah Allen, Pizarro, & Fray get the nod for #InterMiamiCF Looks like a 5-4-1 formation …#MLS #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/hwN1Efvxbk

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 1, 2023

The Verde & Black put Inter Miami in a bind early in the 14′ minute as Julio Cascante smashed a header off the goalpost from a Dani Pereira service. In the 39th minute, Sebastian Driuisi turned and took a wicked shot that was blocked by Miami goalkeeper, Drake Callender.

The Herons responded late in the first half with Rodolfo Pizarro lobbing a spectacular pass to Josef. Martinez found himself on a one-on-one breakaway with the Austin FC keeper, Stuver who blocked Josef’s shot with his foot. Just a minute later Ian Fray had his laser rip blocked, while Robbie’s missile at the 46′ minute could not get past Stuver either.

The squads went into the half tied at 0-0.

Two minutes into the second half Benjamin Cremaschi crossed a lovely ball into Josef who was able to control it and buried it into the Verde goal. Martinez celebrated by shushing his critics with his finger on his lips.

King Josef 👑@JosefMartinez17's 103rd MLS goal puts #InterMiamiCF on top. pic.twitter.com/6OPDK6xMla

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2023

Barely two minutes later, the Herons had a golden opportunity to score again when Robinson dropped a pass to Pizarro who slipped a lovely through-ball to Cremaschi. Cremaschi made a beautiful turn off the ball and had his poked shot blocked by Stuver. The ensuing rebound had Josef make an attempt at the ball, the ball bounced out to Robbie Robinson who mishit it with the ball ending out the end line.

Austin FC tied the match at the 50′ minute when a Sebastian Driusis shot rebounded off Ian Fray perfectly to Nick Lima, who elegantly placed his shot past Drake Callender near the goal post.

Right place, right time for Nick Lima.@AustinFC answers right away started by Sebastian Driussi. pic.twitter.com/vwjUZ4cU5o

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2023

Both squads had some opportunities to get on the scoreboard again but were unable to do so, and the match ended 1-1.

Postgame Press Conference

Javi Morales finally saw his team earn its first MLS point during his tenure as Interim Coach for Miami. Morales had a full house of reporters asking him a variety of questions, one colleague asked Javi why Josef was the usual starter and not Leo Campana. Morales said that Martinez had won the battle in practice but that certainly Campana would get an opportunity at some point to start.

Morales was also asked if Martinez and Campana could co-exist on the pitch, and Javi said that he prefers a lone forward because in his analysis when they play with dual forwards the midfield loses “creativity”.  Morales pointed out that the goal was scored when Miami was playing with a lone forward, and not when Leo and Josef played together.

I asked Javi about his substitution of Pizarro, who in my eyes was having quite a match. Pizarro was active throughout and served a pair of wonderful threaded passes that should have ended in goals by Pizarro and Cremaschi. Javi told me that the move was based more on the player’s energy level going down and his attempt to add players in the final third of the pitch to seek another goal.

I asked about Pizarro's substitution because IMO he was having one of his better games… Javi said that he was subbed because he felt Rodolfo was getting tired…#InterMiamiCF  #MLS #Messi pic.twitter.com/wKWlymdwQu

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 2, 2023

Josef Martinez was also asked some poignant questions after the match. Josef was asked by one reporter the reasons for his dropoff from his better form and if the tactical formation of Inter Miami had any part in it. Martinez is very direct in his responses and simply reminded the reporter that the opposing team also has a goalkeeper and that forwards are remembered more for the goals that they miss than the one’s that they make. In the match, Josef missed two clear chances but scored a beautiful banger, yet his night will be remembered for the goals he didn’t put away.

I asked Josef about his leadership role on the team and the difficulty of leading a team while facing a seven-game losing streak. Martinez said that it was difficult sometimes to find words of motivation but that it’s not just how you start but how you finish. Josef also stated that it has been hard to overcome so many injuries but that “It is what it is” and they must keep moving forward.

I asked Josef about his role as a leader for #InterMiamiCF & the difficulty of leading in the locker room during a 7 game losing streak…#MLS #Messi pic.twitter.com/tylljeQLLi

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) July 2, 2023

Final Thoughts

Inter Miami stopped the bleeding by tying Austin FC at home Saturday night. It’s barely a consolation point, but if you’ve been in this game long enough you understand that one “meaningless” point Saturday night could be the difference between getting into the playoffs or going home for vacation. The Herons must build upon this gutsy performance and continue to add points each game, chipping away toward at least the last playoff spot. Messi and Friends will be here soon to lend a hand, or better yet some masterful feet.

Martinez is not the same forward he was at Atlanta years ago before his injury, but he still has enough to help Miami reach its objectives. He missed a pair of chances but capitalized on the more difficult opportunity he had, leading Inter Miami to a tie. Messi should facilitate a late-season resurgence for the embattled forward, and if the sleeping giant is awakened it could mean good things for Miami.

Reinforcements will soon be here, Messi and Friends along with the players recovering from injuries like Gregore and Robbie should give Tata Martino the weapons he will need to make a strong push for a playoff spot.

The fanbase feels reenergized with all the different things happening around the club. Inter Miami has become the focus of the MLS and beyond because of Lionel Messi. What transpires moving forward with Messi will either take this organization and the MLS to unprecedented heights or be a giant blunder. There is no middle ground, I can’t wait to see what this wild ride has in store for us.

📸Credit: MLS