Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano welcomed a bounceback 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders after back-to-back shutout defeats, with Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba each producing a goal and an assist while Rodrigo De Paul impressed. Still, Mascherano admitted the squad lacks depth amid absences and missed signings, calling the last seven games ‘finals.’
Getty Images SportMascherano admits his squad lacks depth but vows to fight
Inter Miami entered Tuesday’s clash carrying the weight of two heavy 3-0 defeats – one in the Leagues Cup final against the Sounders and another against Charlotte. This time, though, Mascherano’s men delivered a strong response in a 3-1 victory over Seattle. Despite the win, the Argentine coach admitted his roster is thin after summer departures and missed signings before the trade deadline. The team is also missing star striker Luis Suarez, who will finish a three-game suspension after Miami face D.C. United on Sept. 20.
“We have many absences right now, and of course, I’d love more resources and depth. But I’m the coach, and I will go to the end with the players I have,” said Mascherano in his postgame press conference. “We have seven finals left, and we want to win all seven.”
AdvertisementPushing for the top spot
Although Philadelphia Union remain eight points clear at the top, Inter Miami still hold three games in hand, leaving them with a real chance of climbing to first place.
Getty Images SportNight of goals at Chase Stadium
Messi led the attack alongside Tadeo Allende on the right and Jordi Alba, deployed unusually high on the left. The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 12th minute after linking up with Messi. The Argentine nearly doubled the lead later but hit the post on a one-on-one. He made up for it in the 40th minute, slotting home Alba’s low cross for his 20th MLS goal of the season.
Shortly after the restart, Ian Fray sealed the result with a powerful header. Seattle grabbed a late consolation through Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas, but the game had already been decided.
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Mascherano highlighted his team's unwavering confidence during its recent slump.
“We couldn’t go crazy either. We knew that, above all, we needed to get back to winning. We needed to collect points. And we need to keep collecting points,” Mascherano said. “Nobody likes to be in this position, even if we have three games in hand compared to our rivals, because I truly believe the team doesn’t deserve it.”
