Tata Martino has admitted that he almost didn’t make a decision last night that led to Inter Miami beating DC United.
The Herons left it late as a frustrated Inter Miami side squeezed past DC United with a 1-0 win at Chase Stadium, with the Florida franchise keeping their unbeaten streak alive and now extended to nine games.
With Martino praising Tomas Aviles as the best player on the pitch, it was a top defensive performance from Inter Miami, who have now kept two clean sheets in a row after Wednesday’s draw against Orlando City SC.
Yet the Inter Miami manager revealed that he almost didn’t make a key decision against DC United.
Martino almost didn’t bring on Leonardo Campana for Inter Miami
As per MLS’s official website, Martino admitted that he almost didn’t bring on Leonardo Campana for Inter Miami, with the 23-year-old striker scoring within seconds of coming on from the bench.
With Jordi Alba lauding the striker, it was a dream cameo from Campana, who heading into the Copa America break could be a standout candidate to lead the line with Luis Suarez potentially gone.
Indeed, Campana was as efficient as one could be from the bench with a few seconds left to go, and Martino’s decision to bring on the Ecuador international was an inspiring one.
Whilst Matias Rojas‘ injury was the cause for the change, Martino was proven right in the move to bring on Campana, who has now seen his stock at Inter Miami shoot straight up.
Campana sent a huge message to Martino vs DC United
Campana’s drop to the bench this season has been understandable given the signing of Suarez and how impressive the Uruguay international has been since arriving in Florida.
Yet Campana’s fantastic goal against DC United sent a firm message to Martino that the 23-year-old attacker has the quality to lead the line for Inter Miami and to compete with Suarez for the starting spot.
And this summer if Suarez is gone for the Copa America, Campana is now the obvious option to start up top for Inter Miami, where the striker could thrive being back in the starring role.