A Tense Rematch on the Horizon
Inter Miami is set to host the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, September 16, in a highly anticipated MLS regular-season clash at Chase Stadium. The match is more than just a battle for league points; it’s a swift rematch of the contentious Leagues Cup final on August 31, where the Sounders claimed a decisive 3-0 victory. The final was overshadowed by a post-match brawl that resulted in significant sanctions, setting a tense backdrop for this upcoming encounter.
Following the final whistle of the Leagues Cup final, a physical altercation broke out involving players from both teams. The incident led to suspensions for Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets, Tomás Avilés, and Luis Suárez. Suárez received an additional three-game ban from MLS for spitting at a member of the Sounders’ staff, rendering him unavailable for Tuesday’s game.
Mascherano Downplays Lingering Hostilities
Despite the fiery conclusion to their last meeting, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has insisted that the team has moved on. “No, no, that’s in the past,” Mascherano stated on Monday. “For me, it’s a done deal because, well, the sanctions have already been imposed.” He emphasized that the team’s focus is on securing a much-needed victory to rebuild confidence after suffering two consecutive 3-0 defeats—first to Seattle in the final and then to Charlotte FC in their most recent MLS outing.
Injury Woes Plague Both Squads
Both clubs will enter the rematch severely shorthanded, with a combined total of over a dozen players expected to be unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The situation is particularly dire for Inter Miami, who are grappling with what Mascherano described as a “drama.”
Inter Miami’s Depleted Roster
The Herons will be without several key figures, testing the squad’s depth at a crucial stage of the season. The list of absentees includes:
- Luis Suárez (Suspension)
- Tomás Avilés (Suspension)
- Allen Obando (Hamstring)
- Fafà Picault (Quadriceps)
- Baltasar Rodríguez (Hamstring)
- David Ruiz (Hamstring)
Additionally, midfielder Telasco Segovia is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. “The squad is what it is… between suspensions and injuries, we’ve accumulated five or six absences,” Mascherano lamented. “It’s a lot for this stage of the season.”
Seattle Sounders Face Their Own Challenges
The reigning Leagues Cup champions are also navigating their own fitness issues. While they arrive with momentum, having lost only once in their last 16 matches, they will be without several key contributors. Notable absences for the Sounders include Pedro De la Vega, Paul Arriola, and Joao Paulo. Despite these setbacks, Seattle still possesses significant firepower with players like Jordan Morris and Raúl Ruidíaz expected to be available.
Stakes and Expectations
The match carries significant weight for both teams’ playoff ambitions. Inter Miami currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and is desperate to reverse its recent slump. The Sounders, positioned fourth in the Western Conference, will look to continue their strong form and capitalize on Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities, as noted by digitaltrendstoday.com.
With both sides heavily depleted, the contest will likely be decided by which team’s depth players can rise to the occasion. Lionel Messi is expected to start and will be crucial for an Inter Miami attack missing the suspended Luis Suárez.
How to Watch
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM ET at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fans in the USA and around the world can watch the game exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
