Inter Miami CF II (4W-8L-1D, 13 points) earned a 3-1 victory against FC Cincinnati 2 on Thursday evening at DRV PNK Stadium. This match featured goals by Lucas Meek, a goal and assist by Lawson Sunderland, and Bryan Destin's first goal of the 2023 season.
The squad’s starting XI featured Owen Finnerty in goal; Nykolas Sessock, Farid Sar-Sar, Tyler Hall, and Harvey Neville in the backline; Sunderland, Braxton Taghvai-Najib, and captain Abel Caputo filling the midfield; and Destin, Miles Perkovich and Meek leading the attack.
The Herons kicked off their attack with a clinical finish by Meek, his fourth goal of the season, coming off a right footed cross from Neville in the first four minutes. With this early momentum, the team kept putting pressure on Cincinnati’s backline with shots from Sunderland, Destin, and Meek as well as staying strong on the defensive end with two blocked shots and three saves by goalkeeper Finnerty. In the 42nd minute, the visiting team equalized with a left-footed goal from forward Ryder Mills leveling the scoreline before halftime.
Inter Miami II instantly took control of the lead early in the second half, as forward Destin slid to score, coming off a perfectly placed through ball by Sunderland in the 52nd minute. The Herons secured the 3-1 victory after Sunderland put one in the back of the net, coming off a Boatwright pass.
Today's win also featured First Team attacker Robbie Robinson’s return to the pitch after having suffered a calf injury earlier this year.
Up next, Inter Miami CF II will close off the week with more MLS NEXT Pro action as they’ll host Toronto FC II this Sunday, June 11 at 6 p.m. ET at DRV PNK Stadium.
