Inter Miami shut out for second consecutive match
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
Held scoreless for the second consecutive match, Inter Miami fell to Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday. Charlotte’s 1-0 victory extended its home win streak to four, spearheaded by Andre Shinyashiki’s goal in the 68th minute and a stellar defensive performance.
Shinyashiki, who was traded to Charlotte from the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday, made a splash in his debut, scoring the match’s only goal on an assist by Yorny Reyna, electrifying the crowd of 32,018.
Miami forward Leonardo
Campana’s return provided a morale boost for the men in pink, but it wasn’t enough to get the Herons on the board and keep his white-hot scoring streak alive.
Manager Phil Neville spoke about streaky play following the match against Eastern Conference foe New England, and the loss in Charlotte drops Miami to 3-6-1. Miami had its opportunities, but ultimately failed to score on the road.
“I thought we were the team that was most dangerous and had a little bit more control,” Neville said post-match. “I felt we had opportunities to go and win the game. I thought [Christopher] McVey and [Ryan] Sailor played really well. I thought Gregore [Silva] played one of his best games. I thought we were in total control apart from the goal that they scored, which was a poor mistake. I thought we had some really good performances from individuals.”
Miami was without center backs Damion Lowe and Jairo Quinteros due to suspension, as well as goalkeeper Nick Marsman, leaving the backline of defense open for the potent Charlotte strikers. Neville’s mix-and-match lineup saw the debut of first-round draft pick Sailor on the backline.
Sailor spoke about his professional debut and his growing confidence following the loss.
“When I ran out there for a warmup, I just started smiling and I couldn’t really control it. It was just a really cool experience,” Sailor said. “It’s kind of an experience that you don’t know what it’s going to be like until you step into it. I’m happy to have it under my belt and hopefully going forward I’ll keep getting more confident every game.”
Another newcomer, but familiar face, Indiana Vassilev was reacquired on loan from Aston Villa earlier in the week and had a strong showing in his debut for the Herons, nearly finding the back of the net in the first half.
With key striker Gonzalo Higuain out with a thigh contusion, the Herons struggled, forcing the ball to Campana early and often. Campana became the facilitator in the 43rd minute, delivering a picture-perfect pass to Vassilev to set up Miami’s best attempt of the first half. But Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina kept the game scoreless with a key save, one of six on the afternoon.
Both clubs were aggressive to start, but Miami struggled to finish, with returning forward Robbie Robinson and Vassilev misfiring from close range.
Though scoreless at half, Charlotte dominated possession early, keeping goalkeeper Drake Callender busy with three saves in an eight-minute stretch. Miami finished the game with 12 shots, 6 on goal. Charlotte posted 14 shots, 7 on the frame.
Miami is back in action on Tuesday, hosting a U.S. Open Cup game against Tormenta FC. The Herons sit at 12th in the Eastern Conference with 10 points, just three points out of the playoff race.
“We’re going to go full-strength, that’s for sure,” Neville added. “I’m picking my strongest team, and it’s a competition that we will not take for granted. It’s going to be a really tough match.”
Charlotte captain Christian Fuchs exited with an injury in the 55th minute and was replaced by former Inter Miami defender Christian Makoun, who scored a penalty in Miami’s 2-1 victory over Charlotte in the Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston in February.
A