Inter Miami Vs New England

Inter Miami stands on the brink of history as they prepare to host the New England Revolution this Saturday at Chase Stadium. A win will enable them to establish a new MLS regular-season points record, a feat currently held by the Revolution themselves.

The Herons have arrived at this pivotal moment after securing a narrow 1-0 victory against Toronto, courtesy of a late goal. In stark contrast, the Revolution find themselves in dire straits, desperately hoping to avoid a last-place finish in the Eastern Conference following a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew.

Match Preview

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is seen reacting during a match on April 6, 2024. © Imago

Inter Miami has indeed made their journey to this potential record-setting moment a challenging one. However, despite the obstacles, they now have a chance to break a long-standing MLS regular-season record that has been in place since 2021.

This season, Miami has demonstrated remarkable resilience, having clinched victories in four matches with goals scored in the dying moments of the second half, including their latest outing against Toronto.

With an impressive tally of 73 goals scored this season, Miami ranks third for the most goals in a single MLS campaign. They trail only the 2017 Toronto FC team and the 1998 DC United squad, both of which scored 74 goals. The record for the most goals in a season is held jointly by Los Angeles FC (2019) and the LA Galaxy (1998), both of whom netted 85 goals.

At home, the Herons have triumphed in 10 regular-season matches this year. A victory on Saturday would not only secure them maximum points but also set a new club record for home wins in a season.

Since their 3-1 loss to Atlanta United in late May, head coach Tata Martino’s squad has gone unbeaten in seven consecutive domestic matches at Chase Stadium, showcasing their defensive strength and tactical prowess. They have also suffered the fewest home defeats in the Eastern Conference.

Throughout the 2024 league season, Miami has excelled in responding to setbacks, earning 28 points after conceding the first goal. This resilience has been a hallmark of their campaign, allowing them to stay competitive throughout.

New England Revolution's Struggles

Esmir Bajraktarevic is seen celebrating after scoring for the New England Revolution on September 18, 2024. © Imago

The New England Revolution, on the other hand, have faced challenges that proved insurmountable. Their early-season struggles have culminated in a second missed playoff appearance in three years. The Revs began the season poorly, accumulating only four points from their first nine matches, and as they approach Decision Day, their form remains lackluster, with just one win in their last nine league outings—a solitary 1-0 victory over Nashville SC.

Caleb Porter's side has been particularly vulnerable on the road, suffering five consecutive away defeats in MLS competition. Alarmingly, they have conceded three or more goals in four of those matches, underscoring significant defensive frailties.

A win this weekend is crucial for the Revolution, as it would prevent them from finishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2011. That season was particularly dismal for the club, which recorded its lowest-ever points total in a single campaign, finishing with just 28 points.

As of now, the Revolution have already surpassed that point total in the 2024 season. However, even with a maximum points haul this Saturday, they would still be on track for their second-worst performance in a 34-game season.

This matchup marks the fourth occasion that the Revolution have traveled to Fort Lauderdale to face Miami. Their only away victory against the Herons occurred back in 2021, when they delivered a stunning 5-0 blowout.

Looking Ahead

As Inter Miami prepares to take the pitch, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. The Herons are not only looking to clinch a record-breaking victory but also to continue building momentum as they head into the postseason. The prospect of breaking the points record adds an extra layer of significance to the match against a struggling New England side.

For Miami, the key players will likely include Lionel Messi, whose leadership and experience have been instrumental throughout the season, alongside other crucial team members. The combination of offensive firepower and a solid defensive strategy will be essential for their success against a Revolution team desperate to turn their season around.

Meanwhile, the Revolution will need to address their defensive lapses and find a way to capitalize on scoring opportunities. If they can overcome their recent struggles, they have the potential to disrupt Miami’s record-setting aspirations and finish the season on a positive note.

Conclusion

In summary, Saturday's match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams on opposite trajectories. Inter Miami is eager to cement their place in MLS history, while the New England Revolution seeks redemption and to avoid the ignominy of finishing at the bottom of the standings. As both teams prepare for this critical clash, fans can expect an intense match filled with high stakes and fierce competition.