In a historic MLS match in Cleveland, Ohio, fans gathered hoping to witness Lionel Messi`s brilliance against the Columbus Crew. However, it was the contributions of a homegrown talent and a draft pick that propelled Inter Miami to a narrow 1-0 victory over their Eastern Conference rivals. Benjamin Cremaschi, a 20-year-old, scored a decisive diving header, securing Miami`s position at the top of the Eastern Conference alongside the Crew.
This win marks the Columbus Crew`s first defeat of the season, leaving Inter Miami as the sole undefeated team in Major League Soccer. The game, hosted at Huntington Bank Field, usually home to the Cleveland Browns, attracted NFL personalities like Jerry Jeudy and a record crowd of 60,614 spectators. Despite the strong support, the Crew couldn`t overcome Miami. Given their status as top MLS contenders and the Crew`s previous Leagues Cup victory over Inter Miami, this game carried significant weight, even early in the regular season.
Despite missing Cucho Hernandez, who moved to Real Betis, the Crew have achieved victories thanks to Diego Rossi`s performance and the debut of powerful attacker Daniel Gazdag. However, they squandered numerous scoring opportunities in this match. Inter Miami`s goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, 38, proved impenetrable, consistently making crucial saves and relieving pressure on his defense.
Miami`s defense needed this relief as they fought hard for the win. Playing in a 4-4-2 formation, Miami`s attack wasn`t particularly explosive, but Yannick Bright and Cremaschi stepped up. Linking effectively with Marcelo Weigandt on the right flank, Cremaschi`s goal gave Miami the lead they held onto for the rest of the match.
Bright`s energetic midfield presence was crucial defensively, allowing Sergio Busquets to control the deeper areas and strategically advance. His relentless play was vital as the Crew applied constant pressure in the second half. Bright, a first-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, has exceeded expectations. Initially, with the arrival of players like Federico Redondo, his role seemed uncertain, but he has proven his importance to Inter Miami, regardless of the lineup.
MLS`s diverse pathways to success are evident in Miami`s roster, which includes a converted left-back center back, numerous Argentinian players, academy graduates, draft picks, and the famed Barcelona quartet. Miami`s success isn`t solely built on star signings; effective roster management and value acquisitions are essential to support these stars.
Miami`s performance wasn`t flawless, as the Crew created numerous chances, reflected in their higher expected goals (xG) of 3.01 compared to Miami`s 0.61. However, top teams win even when not at their best. The Crew, under Wilfried Nancy, will regroup, especially as Gazdag integrates further, and can take pride in their performance. Yet, Miami has repeatedly shown that opponents must perform perfectly to defeat them.
Any lapses in concentration against Miami are costly, as the Crew experienced. While Luis Suarez has focused more on assists this season, with Messi and Tadeo Allende leading the attack, other Miami players have risen to the occasion when needed. If this trend continues, Inter Miami has a strong chance to contend for more silverware this season, aiming to improve on their early MLS Cup playoff exit to Atlanta United last year.
