Inter Miami Player Ratings: Shea, Figal impress in late victory against FC Cincinnati
Defenders shone brightest once again for Inter Miami in the late 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami was a mere moments away from a second straight scoreless stalemate on Saturday, but two of the team’s best players on the night combined to deliver a moment of magic that proved the difference.
A classy control and finish from Brek Shea off a delightful ball from Nicolas Figal was enough to keep Inter Miami’s recent good run of form going with a 1-0 road win vs. FC Cincinnati. The decisive play in the 90th minute might be the one that most stands out from this cagey affair, but it was Shea and Figal’s overall contributions that saw the two defenders shine brightest in the dramatic victory.
Other players like Christian Makoun and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez also played well at the back while the Inter Miami attack sputtered once again vs. one of the worst defense in MLS.
Here are the Inter Miami Player Ratings after Saturday’s late 1-0 triumph:
Nick Marsman (6) — Was not overly tested, but put out fires when needed and distributed well.
Kelvin Leerdam (6) — The biggest attacking threat early on with his marauding runs forward before fading and becoming the first substituted player.
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (7) — Had some good interventions and also got involved in the attack by moving into advanced positions.
Nicolas Figal (9) — His late long ball to set up the winner was sublime, and so too was his reading of the game as he killed off several attacks with his match-high six interceptions.
Christian Makoun (8) — Struggled with his passing in the opening stages, but improved in that regard as the game wore on and was once again stellar defensively.
Brek Shea (8.5) — Took his late chance exceptionally well with a deft touch and clinical finish, nearly scored earlier, and was a constant outlet down the left.
Gregore (4.5) — An atypical performance in which he had some sloppy touches and was dispossessed easily a few times while still providing his usual defensive steel.
Blaise Matuidi (5) — Passed accurately but mostly horizontally while also earning an unnecessary yellow card for throwing the ball at an opponent.
Indiana Vassilev (4.5) — Set up the team’s most dangerous look in the first half with a good dribbling run, but other than that did not make much of an impact.
Gonzalo Higuain (3.5) — Looked a step off for much of his shift, struggling with his touches, passing, movements, and shooting accuracy.
Lewis Morgan (4) — Improved when moved from left wing to right wingback, but looked a shadow of himself before that in his return to a starting attacking spot and unluckily blocked a would-be goal from Shea.
Robbie Robinson (6) — Brought some different energy and ideas to the left flank after entering the game without being overly threatening.
Victor Ulloa (4.5) — Provided some fresh legs in the middle of the park, though he was not at his sharpest with the ball at his feet.
Julian Carranza (N/A) — A very late cameo to help see out the game.
Phil Neville (5.5) — The overall performance was disjointed and the attack was poor, but the stout defending combined with the team’s relentless push to search for a winner paid off via that late magic from Figal and Shea.