Without several stars, the Herons just couldn't quite prevent themselves from falling apart in their fourth MLS match of the season.
Sunday was always going to be a grind for Inter Miami, and a quick look at the teamsheet would tell you that. No Luis Suarez or Sergio Busquets in the XI, no Lionel Messi in the squad at all… this wasn't the Inter Miami team that fans have come to expect.
Both ex-Barcelona stars available did come off the bench though, while Messi, however, could only watch on from the stands as his side couldn't quite survive their own rotations in what ended as a frustrating 3-2 loss to CF Montreal.
In the end, Miami's defense let them down – again. Disastrous defending led to Fernando Alvarez's opener, an easy header from a corner kick. Another set piece ended in a goal for Matias Coccaro, while a pure lack of tracking back was what led to Sunusi Ibrahim scoring Montreal's third.
On the Herons' side, there were goals from Leonardo Campana and Jordi Alba, two really clean finishes. They won't matter, though, as Montreal were the team that left with all three points. With the CONCACAF Champions Cup on their minds, Miami made the decision to rotate, and there's a risk you run when you choose to change things, particularly when you go into it all without a certain legendary Argentine.
If they get past Nashville SC on Wednesday, it'll all be worth it, but until then, this defeat will sting a bit for a team that had their opportunities to escape this match with something more.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…
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Drake Callender (4/10):
Incredibly shaky. Missed on a header that led to a clear chance and had another rocky moment shortly after. Just a scary performance overall.
Jordi Alba (7/10):
Had a goal called back for offside, but then got his finish to make it 3-2. Unfortunately, it came a bit too late for Miami as they coudln't quite pull off the comeback.
Serhiy Kryvtsov (5/10):
Made one big play in the first half to help bail out Callender, but then nearly gave one away himself. Another rough outing overall.
Noah Allen (6/10):
Probably the most steady of the three central defenders, but that isn't saying much.
Tomas Aviles (5/10):
Could have done much more on the opening goal. Was good other than that, but he's had too many nervy moments this season.
David Ruiz (6/10):
Looked pretty comfortable in that right wingback spot. Kept Coccaro onside on the second goal, though, so that hurts his score.
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Julian Gressel (6/10):
Brought some life to the center of the pitch. During his time on the field, was among Miami's more dangerous players.
Federico Redondo (7/10):
Really helped dictate play in what was his MLS debut. It's easy to see how good he'll be once he's fully integrated into the team.
Lawson Sunderland (7/10):
Making his second career start, Sunderland made the most of his opportunity. Didn't give the ball away when he got it and created a big moment with his assist for Campana's goal.
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Robert Taylor (7/10):
Hit the crossbar with Inter Miami's best chance of the first half. Was very dangerous when he did get the ball, but it just never really came together for him.
Leonardo Campana (7/10):
Great headed finish to level the game at the time. The Ecuador international is such a reliable player, one that gives Miami a legitimate threat even when they have to rotate like this.
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Diego Gomez (6/10):
Replaced Gressel, but struggled to make any sort of impact in his cameo.
Nicolas Freire (6/10):
Did his best to prevent Ibrahim's goal, but ultimately couldn't stop it.
Sergio Busquets (7/10):
Alba did the hard work, but Busquets' little flick did tee up his longtime Barcelona teammate for that second goal. Overall, a big impact from the midfielder.
Luis Suarez (6/10):
Had a deflected shot clatter the crossbar, but couldn't quite get the one chance he'd need to change the result.
Shanyder Borgelin (N/A):
A last-gasp sub to throw another attacker onto the field.
Tata Martino (6/10):
Made the decision to rotate and it really was close to working. Could Miami have played a bit more cautious? Possibly, but, right now, there just isn't much to do to protect this team's defensive shortcomings.