Inter Miami vs. LAFC: A Clash for Concacaf Glory
Inter Miami CF and LAFC have meticulously constructed teams designed with a singular mission: to secure trophies. On Wednesday night at 8 pm ET on FS1, TUDN, and ViX, one of these star-studded MLS franchises will inch closer to that dream as they face off in the critical Leg 2 of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series.
LAFC head to Miami’s Chase Stadium holding a narrow 1-0 lead, courtesy of Nathan Ordaz’s decisive goal in last week’s opening match.
Despite being one goal down, Herons’ head coach Javier Mascherano remains confident his team can rise to the occasion.
“As a player, these were the kinds of matches that gave my career meaning,” said Mascherano, the former Argentina international known for his impactful years with Liverpool and FC Barcelona.
“… This is what makes soccer beautiful: the chance to play in these crucial contests.”
Miami boasts a line-up brimming with talent, especially its renowned ‘Core Four’—Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. Unfortunately, Busquets will be absent from Leg 2 due to a suspension, leaving a significant gap in Miami’s midfield.
“We can’t fill his shoes. He’s irreplaceable,” commented teammate Yannick Bright during the pre-match media session. “I believe it will be all about teamwork. Everyone needs to contribute so his absence is felt a little less than expected. We’re prepared, everyone is motivated, and it’s crucial for each player to step up to the challenge.”
Having triumphed in the 2023 League Cup and claimed the 2024 Supporters’ Shield in record-breaking fashion, Miami is on the brink of surpassing their previous best in CCC play, following their quarterfinal exit to LIGA MX giants CF Monterrey in last year’s edition.
“Reaching the semifinals would be a landmark moment for our club,” Mascherano noted. “Instead of pressure, there’s a sense of hope. A profound sense of hope.”
In contrast, LAFC boasts a more extensive history in the Concacaf Champions Cup, having reached the finals in 2020 and 2023. With a slim aggregate lead and past successes to bolster them, the Black & Gold are targeting their first international title. Head coach Steve Cherundolo emphasized that his team plans to approach the match with a proactive mindset.
“We’re certainly not going there just to defend for 90-plus minutes,” Cherundolo stated on Tuesday. “That’s not in our game plan. This team understands when it’s necessary to defend and how to do it effectively. However, our focus is on making Miami work defensively and utilizing our offensive strategies to create scoring opportunities.”