Touchline Talk
South Florida native and Inter Miami Academy product Noah Allen made his First Team debut in the team’s 2022 season opener tonight, starting against Chicago Fire FC at DRV PNK Stadium. The 17-year-old defender played 78 total minutes to mark the occasion, fulfilling a long held ambition to represent his hometown.
“It was everything I dreamed of made a reality. I’ve been dreaming of this day since I first started hearing about the club opening many, many years ago. It was just really beautiful to go out there and play in front of the fans and play with the team and to get a clean sheet.”
The fullback, who was signed on a short-term agreement from Inter Miami CF II today, left a strong impression on head coach Phil Neville on his MLS debut.
“Look at the first half performance; he was probably one of maybe two, three players that wasn’t affected by [nerves]...He just went out and played as if he played in an [MLS NEXT Pro] match, and we were super proud. An Academy graduate, one of our own, and if the boy keeps his feet on the ground and keeps learning, he has a really good future, a brilliant future at this fútbol club,” said Neville.
Despite his youth, Allen deftly handled the pressure, comforted by the sight of his family and friends in the stands alongside the club’s loyal supporters.
“The hype was obviously a little nerve-racking, but once I stepped on the field and saw the supporters and I saw my mom in the stands, I felt more comfortable seeing them watch me play. It was just a great feeling honestly,” said Allen.
When Allen’s day was done, the local talent received a raucous ovation from the fans at DRV PNK Stadium, an acknowledgement from his fellow South Floridians that moved the young player. He also shared that he hopes to get his jersey from tonight’s match - the Heartbeat Kit featuring the phrase “Libertad Para Soñar” - signed by his teammates after becoming another player to fulfill the club’s ambition of producing professionals from its academy.
“I was really happy with the ovation, it was really beautiful...I had butterflies walking up the field. I took pictures of my locker obviously and then our equipment man just said ‘keep the jersey’, so that will be nice and hopefully some of the guys will sign it tomorrow and I’ll definitely get it framed and put in my room somewhere.”
Allen also took the opportunity to reflect on his journey through the club’s development pathway, going through the Academy, Inter Miami CF II and now the First Team.
“Every coach I've had in this club, from academy till now, have all helped me in different ways. Attitudes wise, on the field, they just helped me so much to become a better person and better player. I’ve learned so much from the Academy. Without the academy I don’t know if I would be the same player.
