Inter Miami got off to an ideal start in the MLS play-offs with a 2-1 win against Atlanta United.
Although Inter Miami defender Ian Fray picked up another injury, the Herons showed why they’re considered one of the favorites to win MLS Cup, with Tata Martino praising Jordi Alba for his performance on the night.
With the second and decisive fixture coming up later this week, Inter Miami can book their ticket into the Eastern Conference semi-finals with a win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Lionel Messi will be eager to leave an impact.
Yet MLS legend Bradley Wright-Phillips has now shared how Atlanta and other MLS teams could stop Inter Miami.
Clik here to view.
MLS teams told to push Inter Miami to penalties in the play-offs
Writing for MLS’s official website, the former New York Red Bulls striker shared how the best shot of eliminating Inter Miami from the play-offs is by beating the Herons in a high-scoring game or somehow pushing the Florida franchise to penalties in the best-of-three series.
Wright-Phillips wrote: “All season with Inter Miami, I’ve found myself thinking: ‘When does the magic end?’ Well, I don’t think the magic will end. They’re genuinely an all-around elite team and are my MLS Cup favorite. It’s not just Lionel Messi carrying them, although he’s the cherry on top.
“Tata Martino has so many options in the final third, and they’ll benefit from home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. You likely have to win 3-2 or 4-3 to beat Inter Miami, or maybe hope you take it to penalties. Atlanta maybe, just maybe, can do that in a one-off match.
“I don’t see them doing it over a Best-of-3 Series, regardless of momentum or how they took four of six points off Inter Miami in the regular season.”
Clik here to view.
Inter Miami need to show who is the best in the post-season
Having won the Supporters’ Shield and set a new MLS regular-season points record, it’s safe to say that Inter Miami are the team to beat in the play-offs this fall.
Martino’s side have been exceptional all year and are MLS Cup favorites for a reason, with Inter Miami’s squad as good as it has been all year with Messi and company all at full fitness.
And with a target on their backs, Inter Miami need to show why they’re the best team in MLS by delivering in the post-season, with the Herons capable of going all the way.
