Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match 2025 best
Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC: Player Ratings and Match Analysis
Introduction
Inter Miami continued their strong start to the 2025 MLS season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC at Chase Stadium. Despite playing most of the game with ten men and missing Lionel Messi for the third consecutive match, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match the Herons showed remarkable resilience. A moment of magic from Luis Suárez set up Tadeo Allende for the game-winning goal, sealing an impressive win under difficult circumstances. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the match, including player ratings and tactical insights.
First-Half Analysis
The opening stages of the match saw both teams attempting to establish control in midfield. Inter Miami, despite missing Messi, relied on Sergio Busquets to dictate play and control possession. Charlotte FC pressed aggressively, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match looking to exploit any gaps in Miami’s defense.
Inter Miami’s first real chance came in the 15th minute when Robert Taylor found space on the right wing and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but Charlotte’s goalkeeper made a crucial save to deny Suárez. Meanwhile, Charlotte had their own opportunity when Karol Swiderski tested Óscar Ustari with a powerful strike, but the Miami goalkeeper was up to the task.
The turning point of the match came in the 38th minute when Ustari rushed off his line and collided with Charlotte forward Enzo Copetti just outside the penalty area. The referee immediately brandished a red card, reducing Inter Miami to ten men. This forced head coach Javier Mascherano to make a tactical switch, bringing on substitute goalkeeper Nick Marsman and sacrificing Kieran Gibbs to maintain defensive stability.
Second-Half Analysis
Despite being a man down, Miami remained composed and compact in defense. Their patience paid off in the 60th minute when Luis Suárez, demonstrating his world-class ability, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Tadeo Allende. The winger remained calm under pressure and slotted the ball past Charlotte’s goalkeeper to give Miami a 1-0 lead.
Charlotte pushed hard for an equalizer, but Miami’s defensive organization held firm. Ian Fray and Noah Allen were outstanding at the back, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match intercepting crosses and making crucial tackles. Marsman also played a key role in goal, making a vital save in the 82nd minute to preserve Miami’s lead.
In the final minutes, Charlotte resorted to long balls into the box, but Miami’s resilience saw them through, securing a valuable three points despite the adversity they faced.
Inter Miami Player Ratings
Goalkeeper
Óscar Ustari (5/10) – Ustari’s night ended early after receiving a red card in the first half for a reckless challenge outside the box. Until then, he had made one decent save, but his rash decision put Miami in a difficult position.
Nick Marsman (7/10) – Coming on as a substitute after Ustari’s dismissal, Marsman made crucial saves to preserve Miami’s lead. His command of the box and distribution were solid, ensuring Miami remained defensively stable.
Defenders
DeAndre Yedlin (7/10) – Yedlin played a vital role on the right flank, providing defensive stability and supporting the attack. His pace helped Miami transition quickly from defense to attack.
Ian Fray (8/10) – Fray was rock-solid at the back, making critical interceptions and clearances. His ability to read the game was crucial in keeping Charlotte at bay.
Noah Allen (8/10) – A commanding presence in defense, Allen won aerial duels and positioned himself well to block shots and passes. His composure under pressure was impressive.
Kieran Gibbs (6.5/10) – Gibbs started well but was substituted following Ustari’s red card to accommodate Marsman. His limited minutes meant he couldn’t have a major impact on the game.
Midfielders
Sergio Busquets (7.5/10) – The veteran midfielder dictated play with his precise passing and vision. He played a crucial role in maintaining possession and ensuring Miami didn’t lose their shape after going down to ten men.
Jean Mota (7/10) – Mota worked tirelessly in midfield, covering ground and making key tackles. His ability to transition from defense to attack was valuable.
Forwards
Robert Taylor (6.5/10) – Taylor was energetic on the right wing, delivering dangerous crosses and tracking back defensively. However, he lacked the final product to make a significant impact.
Tadeo Allende (8.5/10) – Allende was the match-winner, scoring the only goal of the game. His movement off the ball was excellent, and he showed great composure to finish past the goalkeeper.
Leonardo Campana (6/10) – Campana struggled to get involved in the game and was substituted early to adjust Miami’s formation after the red card.
Luis Suárez (9/10) – The best player on the pitch, Suárez showcased his experience and class with a brilliant assist for Allende’s goal. His hold-up play and leadership were vital in helping Miami secure the win.
Substitutes
Victor Ulloa (6.5/10) – Added fresh legs in midfield and worked hard to break up play and disrupt Charlotte’s attacks.
Harvey Neville (6/10) – Provided defensive reinforcement in the closing stages, ensuring Miami maintained their shape.
Tactical Analysis
Javier Mascherano’s tactical adjustments played a crucial role in Miami’s victory. Following Ustari’s red card, Miami switched to a more defensive setup, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match prioritizing compactness and quick counterattacks. The midfield duo of Busquets and Mota was instrumental in keeping possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
Suárez’s role as a deep-lying forward allowed him to create chances, while Allende’s pace and movement exploited the gaps in Charlotte’s defense. Defensively, Fray and Allen were immense, ensuring Miami remained organized under sustained pressure.
Key Moments of the Match
- 38th Minute – Ustari Red Card: A reckless challenge outside the box left Miami with ten men and forced an early substitution.
- 60th Minute – Allende Goal: A perfectly timed pass from Suárez set up Allende for the game-winning goal.
- 82nd Minute – Marsman Save: A crucial stop from the substitute goalkeeper prevented Charlotte from equalizing.
Post-Match Reactions
Javier Mascherano (Inter Miami Head Coach): “I’m proud of the team. Losing a player early in the game made things difficult, but the boys showed incredible spirit and discipline. Suárez was fantastic, and the defense was rock solid.”
Luis Suárez: “We knew it would be tough after the red card, but we stayed together as a team. I saw Allende making the run, and I knew he could finish it. This win shows our character.”
Charlotte FC Coach: “We had chances but couldn’t capitalize. Miami defended well, and credit to them for holding on. We need to be more clinical in front of goal.”
Conclusion
Inter Miami’s victory over Charlotte FC highlighted their resilience and tactical discipline. Despite playing with ten men for most of the match, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match they executed their game plan perfectly. With Messi expected to return soon, Miami remains a serious contender in the MLS.
The performance of Suárez and the defensive solidity of Fray and Allen were key factors in this win. As the season progresses, Inter Miami player ratings vs. Charlotte: Suarez’s moment of magic leads 10-man Herons to narrow win with Lionel Messi out for third straight match this match will be remembered as a testament to Miami’s determination and ability to grind out results under pressure.
