FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF got a much-needed win on Saturday, defeating Columbus Crew SC to stay in the conversation in the Eastern Conference playoff race. That result came from working hard on defense and being efficient with what came their way.
The strong defensive effort is most clearly seen in the number of clearances made by the Miami defense. A staggering 20 clearances showed that the hosts could get the job done and get in where they needed to, vitally keeping Columbus off the score sheet.
As a result of those clearances, the crossing was restricted to just 15.4 percent accuracy and Miguel Berry was left completely isolated. The passing network to the left shows just how deep the Crew strikers came to get the ball and how little crosses made it in from the wing. As a result, the Columbus defense was too predictable and that made it easier for the Miami defense to deal with.
The defense was also coming up strong in the one-on-one battles. Inter Miami won the bulk of the duels taking a 48-35 margin in the vital statistic. That meant Miami was stopping Columbus from doing what they wanted with the ball more than they were being stopped.
Offensively the Herons were just more efficient. Finishing level on xG with 0.6 but doing that with two fewer shots, meaning that they were having better looks than Columbus which was how they got the three points.
Photo courtesy Inter Miami CF
Florida Soccer Report 