Five Thoughts About Inter Miami Vs Universitario De Deportes

Inter Miami and Universitario de Deportes played to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night in Lima, Peru, with the Herons pulling out the win in penalty kick shoot-outs  4-5. The 80,000-strong crowd at Estadio Monumental enjoyed an intense match and gave Lionel Messi a loud ovation when he was subbed off, showing love to the legend.  Although it wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing game, some things caught my attention.

Oscar Ustari

The veteran goalkeeper played a clean match. He was solid and steady. Ustari was good with his feet, didn’t bobble any shots, and was always calm and composed. He looks poised to give Drake Callender a major challenge for the starting goalkeeper spot in 2025. One of the most important attributes of a goalie is the ability to command the defense and give his teammates a sense of confidence. The team needs to trust that they are in good hands, and Ustari did that against Universitario.

Ustari has commanded the goalkeeper position tonight…He’s been calm & composed, looking like a threat to Callender for the starting spot… pic.twitter.com/xOVUKA2Dua

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) January 30, 2025

Yannick Bright

Bright was a pleasant surprise during his rookie season for Miami. Straight out of college, Yannick looked like a seasoned veteran in the midfield playing alongside the legendary Sergio Busquets. He provided muscle and grit, making defensive stops all over the pitch while covering everyone’s back. Against Universitario, Yannick came on in the 65th minute and proceeded to help Inter Miami regain some control in the midfield.

Bright scored the game-winning penalty kick with a strong low shot into the corner. In the few minutes he played, Yannick gave Miami a strong presence in the middle of the pitch. The issue for Bright is the uncertainty of what Mascherano will do with so many young talented midfielders. Tata Martino valued him enough to try and find a spot for him in the starting lineup often last season. Will the new coach do the same, or will he play the higher-paid, higher-profile players?

Yannick Bright seals the deal for #InterMiamiCF with the game-winning penalty kick…I’m curious to see how Mascherano uses Bright this season…

There’s lots of young midfielders vying for playing time…#MLS https://t.co/nfRPSTDMxX

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) January 30, 2025

Federico Redondo

Federico Redondo will be given every opportunity to be a starter in the midfield in 2025 by Javier Mascherano. Redondo is a highly regarded midfielder and is expected to be someone who will command a high transfer fee to Europe at some point in his young career. In Inter Miami’s two preseason matches, Redondo has not looked the part. Federico has not played badly, but he has not been spectacular either. Much is expected from Redondo given his pedigree and experience with youth National Teams for Argentina.

Yannick Bright & Benjamin Cremaschi should add some speed & mobility to the #InterMiamiCF midfield…Redondo has his 2nd below average preseason game IMO…#MLS pic.twitter.com/PEI6Rpi7bk

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) January 30, 2025

Tadeo Allende

Tadeo Allende has been brought in on a loan from Celta de Vigo in part to help cover for the loss of Leonardo Campana. Allende was given the start versus Universitario after finally receiving his visa. It’s to be expected that it will take some time for him to adapt to a new team, a new league, and also a different style of play. Against Universitario Tadeo didn’t do anything extraordinary or eye-opening in his time on the pitch. He needs to contribute in a big manner for Miami this season and these next few friendlies should help him get acclimated heading into the regular season. The 2025 season is crucial for Allende, he needs to show the skill and ability that led him to Europe. In Miami, he needs to score enough goals to make the fans forget about Campana.

Tadeo Allende has a wonderful opportunity to earn quality playing time with #InterMiamiCF …He’s the closest thing to Leonardo Campana 🔔 currently on the team and should fit the role of backup striker …Allende can also play as a winger…#MLS
pic.twitter.com/9arYgKlKMe

— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) January 30, 2025

Santiago Morales

17-year-old Santiago Morales has made a pleasant impression on Inter Miami CF fans in limited minutes. The boy-wonder scored the game-winning penalty kick in Miami’s first preseason match versus Club America and with more minutes versus Universitario de Deportes he had some flashy plays. Santiago plays the game gracefully and elegantly, showing that the moment and the opportunity are not too big for him. Morales gives the impression that Inter Miami has a special talent, a future star, on their squad. Time will tell.

ميامي ينجح في الثانية pic.twitter.com/WYjAoX2G5R

— Messi World (@M10GOAT) January 30, 2025

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