Inter Miami is set to host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in Miami, Florida, as they look for reliable scoring options beyond Lionel Messi.
Messi leads Inter Miami (3-1-2, 11 points) into its second match at Nu Stadium, after facing Austin in a 2-2 draw last Saturday. The Red Bulls (3-2-1, 10 points) are coming off a 4-2 victory against FC Cincinnati at home.
Inter Miami aims for its fourth straight win against the Red Bulls, having won their last encounter 5-1 in New York last July.
Last week, Luis Suarez scored in the 82nd minute after coming off the bench, helping Miami secure a point. Messi contributed with the team’s other goal.
Miami’s major offseason signing, former Monterrey player German Berterame, has yet to score, and Tadeo Allende, who netted nine goals during the MLS playoffs last season, is also scoreless.
“German is a dedicated player, and he arrived here eager to earn his place,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “It’s my job to help him feel comfortable and set him up for success. I believe he will break through soon.”
The Red Bulls have found scoring relatively easy, mainly thanks to striker Julian Hall, who has scored five of the team’s nine goals so far, including one of their four against Cincinnati. However, defense remains a concern, as they have allowed 13 goals, the fourth highest in the Eastern Conference.
In their recent victory, New York displayed the scoring depth that Miami has been searching for, with Emil Forsberg and Mohammed Sofo also contributing goals. This win was crucial for the Red Bulls after suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat against Charlotte the previous week.
“We need to create chances and find different paths to be dangerous,” said Red Bulls coach Michael Bradley. “While we’ve felt positive about many aspects in the first five games, we must focus on finishing plays and sharpening our final actions.”