Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. After defeating LAFC 2-1 on Wednesday, the Portland Timbers return home to face Inter Miami CF for the first time ever this Sunday at Providence Park (2:30pm PT, TICKETS, FS1).
Team Form
Inter Miami come into the match Sunday with a record of 9-12-5, sitting at 10th place in the Eastern Conference on 32 points and seven points outside of playoff contention.
The Herons have lost their last three matches, most recently dropping a 1-0 result to Atlanta United on the road on Wednesday.
Miami is coached by longtime Manchester United, Everton and England international Phil Neville who was teammates with Inter's owner, David Beckham. He is in his first season with the club.
In Attack
The Miami offense is ignited by forward and Designated Player Gonzalo HiguaÃn who leads the team in both goals (10) and assists (five). Former Columbus Crew SC maestro and Gonzalo's brother, Federico HiguaÃn, has a goal and three assists in a super-sub role.
Another attacking midfielder of note is Mexican international Rodolfo Pizarro with three goals and three assists. On the wing is Lewis Morgan who has a goal and three assists.
2020 MLS SuperDraft No. 1 overall pick Robbie Robinson has four goals in his rookie campaign.
In Defense
The Miami defense is anchored by former Atlanta United center back Leandro González Pirez who has three assists on the year. It also features two former Premier League defenders in Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Shawcross.
Ex-PSG and Juventus man Blaise Matuidi is a skilled defensive midfielder in the middle of the pitch while Timbers fans may also remember former Seattle defenders Kelvin Leerdam and Joevin Jones both of whom feature on the Inter backline.
In net, goalkeeper John McCarthy started the team's first 11 games of the season but Nick Marsman arrived midseason from The Netherlands and has earned four clean sheets in 15 matches.
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