Ordaz who scored the only goal of the match was wrapped up in controversy during the game.
The first leg of the CONCACAF Quarterfinals between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami took place at the Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday. Thanks to a first-half goal by Nathan Ordaz, LAFC will take a 1-0 lead on their visit to Miami for the second leg.
In what was a marginal defeat, Lionel Messi and his side would be frustrated with their performance. Having a fair share of the possession, Inter Miami managed to do very less in the final third of the pitch. Moreover, striker Luis Suarez failed to register a single shot on target despite playing the 90 minutes.
Inter Miami suffered their first loss of the season against Los Angeles FC. Leading the MLS table with four wins and a draw in five games, Javier Mascherano has had a good start as the Miami manager. However, given Inter Miami’s record in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the manager will not be taking things lightly.
Ordaz who scored the only goal of the match was wrapped up in controversy during the game. Having made a harsh challenge on Maxi Falcón, many speculate he was lucky shown only a yellow. Mascherano in his post-game interview commented on the incident saying:
“When you hit an opponent without the ball… What is it? What card is it?”
“In the end, it’s not an interpretation, in the end, you have an opinion. Aggression without the ball is red, here or in China.”
Mascherano also mentioned Los Angeles being a strong contender and that his side lacked intent today. Admitting that they didn’t have the best of the nights today, the Argentine continued:
“It was the game we expected, LA has good players, who have strikers who can make a difference. We didn’t have the best night today, in the end, it’s just the Ida Game and I think we can do things right to overcome the Quarterfinals and move on to the next phase,”
After being knocked out in the Round of 16 in 2024 by Cavalier FC, Inter Miami has had a stellar run this season. Scoring eight goals while conceding only two, the Vice City had a commanding run up until Wednesday’s loss.
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Mascherano faced his first defeat as an Inter Miami manager against Los Angeles FC. Breaking his 14-match unbeaten streak, the Miami side will have to come back from behind in the second leg to turn things around. When asked about the streak and what’s ahead, Mascherano continued:
“Scoring away from home gives you an advantage, we couldn’t achieve it… as for the defeat I knew it was going to come and all that remains is to think ahead… we have to accept the defeat and count on our people to turn the result,”
Despite missing the Round of 16 match against Cavalier, Messi has still scored three goals in the competition. Leaving the pitch in frustration after the defeat, the World Cup-winner will be eager to add to his tally as his team aims for the semifinals.
Inter Miami will host Los Angeles FC in the second leg at the Fort Lauderdale, Miami on April 9.
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