Inter Miami and Austin FC face off in MLS Matchday 22 on July 1 at DRV PNK Stadium. The two sides have met just once prior, with the Verde and Black having the edge after winning 5-1 in March of 2022.
Miami’s poor season on the field has been somewhat ignored by the signing of Lionel Messi, but he’s not expected to make his debut for the Herons until late July leaving them to fend for themselves at the moment. Until then, Miami will have to make do with Josef Martinez and Leonardo Campana up front amidst their current losing streak.
The Herons are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference standings on 15 points from 18 games played.
On the West, Austin FC have quietly climbed up the table in recent weeks and now sit in ninth place with 25 points from 19 games played. The Verde and Black is led by forwards Gyasi Zardes and Jon Gallagher, who have scored five goals a piece in 2023, and Sebastian Driussi who’s notched four goals and two assists.
When is kick-off? 7:30 PM EST
Where is the game being played? DRV PINK Stadium
TV channel/live stream? MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
What time does TV coverage start? 7:15 PM EST
The Herons have suffered a number of long-term injuries this season, which has played its part in their poor performances. Forward Corentin Jean’s knee injury will see him out of action until late July, while midfielders Jean Mota and club captian Gregore have long term injuries (LCL and Lisfranc injury, respectively). Mota is expected to be back by early November and Gregore is anticipated to return by mid-September.
The injuries don’t stop there for Miami. In their most recent contest, a 4-1 loss at Philadelphia Union, defender Franco Negri suffered a left knee injury in the first half, forcing him to abandon the game at the 38 minute mark. It was later revealed that Negri suffered a left ACL tear and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Interim head coach Javier Morales will have lean on defenders Christopher McVey and Noah Allen at left-back in Negri’s absence, while Dixon Arroyo, David Ruiz, and Benjamin Cremaschi continue to get opportunities in the middle.
Inter Miami have won just once in their last five games against USL side Birmingham Legion in the US Open Cup quarterfinals, 1-0. Outside of that result, the Herons losses came against the previously mentioned Philadelphia Union, New England Revolution (3-1), DC United (2-1), and New York Red Bulls (1-0). Things won’t getting any easier for Miami against Austin, either.
The Verde and Black have some injury woes of their own, but it isn’t as dire as Miami’s current situation. Defender Leo Vaisanen sustained a torn LCL in late May and is expected to return in mid-September, while Zan Kolmanic underwent surgery back in April to repair a torn ACL.
Both players are key figures in the Austin defense, forcing head coach Josh Wolff to give chances to fullback Adam Lundqvist in the meantime.
The Oaks have won their last three out of five games, triumphing over Texan rivals Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas 3-0, and defeating Minnesota United, 2-1. The two losses were against Sporting Kansas City, 4-1, and Real Salt Lake, 2-1.
The Barcelona reunion in South Florida can’t happen soon enough for Inter Miami and their supporters. Austin FC are a tough opponent, and it’s hard to imagine them not getting a positive result from this game.
Austin have a slight advantage in the available players department and it should be enough for them to overcome Miami at DRV PNK Stadium. The likes of Sebastian Driussi and Gyasi Zardes should carry the attacking duties for the Verde and Black, but it will still be a close game with Josef Martinez being ever-threatening near goal.
Prediction: Inter Miami 1 – 2 Austin FC
