Inter Miami left Cincinnati with three points from the inaugural match at TQL Stadium. The 2-3 victory saw the team’s attack at its potent best, as the Higuaín brothers helped unlock a reinforced FC Cincinnati defense.
Gonzalo Higuaín Stars
The team’s Argentine frontman stole the show with a brace, earning him both MLS Team of the Week and Player of the Week honors. For Higuaín, however, the goals were symptoms of a stellar attacking display.
The striker was the team’s primary attacking threat on the afternoon, leading the match with five total shots and four shots on target. He also showed his comfort on the ball in the building phases of attack, beating a pair of defenders with his dribbling en route to his first goal, and swiftly launching a counterattack, driving at the defense and playing a pass out wide before meeting the return ball in the box for his second.
The underlying numbers painted a similar picture, highlighting his influence in finding good areas to shoot as well as chance creation. Higuaín once again led the match with 1.29 xG + xA (Expected Goals + Expected Assists), a feat he has accomplished several times this season.
Higuaín’s effort also extended to other areas of play, as he involved himself in 11 duels, tied for second-most on the team, and won over half of them.
Federico Higuaín Linking Play
The older Higuaín brother, meanwhile, once again played provider. Federico Higuaín made his first start for Inter Miami, going 78 minutes in the process.
The midfielder provided an assist to his brother for the second goal of the match, taking a deft sideheel touch on a pass from Sami Guediri to play Gonzalo into space. It marked the second time Federico assisted his brother this season, making them just one of two sets of brothers to have connected for a goal in MLS on two occasions.
Federico’s contributions also extended beyond his assist, as he provided three key passes against Cincinnati, second on the team. He was a constant threat with his passing, attempting 26 passes in the opposition half and completing 20 of them, second on the team.
Like his brother, Federico also involved himself in 11 duels, tied for second-most on the team, and won over half of them. Federico also led the team with seven possession recoveries, tied with Guediri.
Lewis Morgan Continues to Create
Scottish winger Lewis Morgan, meanwhile, was a constant threat on the right wing. He provided an assist on the late winning goal, making a run down the right wing and delivering a low cross to Gonzalo Higuaín in the box, taking his tally to three assists on the season.
Morgan’s playmaking ability was on display beyond the assist as well, as he provided five key passes on the afternoon, the most of any player in the match.
