Inter Miami Player Ratings: Marsman, Gonzalez Pirez, Makoun stellar in Orlando City stalemate
The defensive-minded Inter Miami players led the way in the 0-0 draw vs. rival Orlando City
Inter Miami’s attack had been getting the job done as of late. On Friday, it was the defense’s turn.
The latest edition of the Sunshine Clasico/El Clasico Del Sol saw Inter Miami play rival Orlando City to a scoreless stalemate at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. As could be expected given the final result, it was the defensive-minded players that led the way for the Herons in the 0-0 affair.
Nick Marsman was the hero of the night for Inter Miami after making two massive saves while centerbacks Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Christian Makoun also turned in strong performances. Attackers like Gonzalo Higuain and Rodolfo Pizarro struggled, however.
Here are the Inter Miami Player Ratings following Friday night’s goal-less draw:
Nick Marsman (8.5) — Made two game-saving stops, including an impressive late block that was more impressive than his early penalty parry.
Lewis Morgan (5.5) — Did his job defensively while not being all that influential in the attack in part because of the team’s tactics before being replaced.
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (8) — Continued to be a rock at the back with several well-timed interventions and nearly helped set up a first-half goal off a corner kick.
Nicolas Figal (6.5) — Gave away the early penalty because of a stray arm, but was solid with his positioning and defending the rest of the game.
Christian Makoun (8) — Put out a lot of fires with his latest no-nonsense showing as the left of three centerbacks.
Kieran Gibbs (6) — Solid if unexceptional on both sides before coming off with a groin injury late in the first half.
Victor Ulloa (5.5) — Grew into the game after a quiet first half, though his best contributions came on the defensive side.
Blaise Matuidi (6) — Passed mostly safely and precisely in a serviceable shift in the center of the park.
Rodolfo Pizarro (4.5) — Had some nice touches and was denied of a goal by a great save, but was not much of a threat during his entire shift.
Gonzalo Higuain (4.5) — Did not see much of the ball, though he tried to make things happen when he did.
Robbie Robinson (5) — Serviceable on the left wing without providing much penetration or danger.
Brek Shea (6) — A sound overall showing off the bench that saw him do what was asked of him tactically.
Kelvin Leerdam (5.5) — Delivered a respectable substitute cameo that helped lock things up defensively.
Indiana Vassilev (5) — Brought on fresh legs, but did not make much of a stamp.
Federico Higuain (N/A) — Almost did not touch the ball after entering late.
Phil Neville (6) — The game plan to try and play mostly long did not work in the first half and the attack struggled, but the team improved after halftime and got a result thanks to some strong defending and stellar goalkeeping saves.