Tata Martino has hinted that two Inter Miami players would have been subject to criticism had the Herons lost last night against the Philadelphia Union.
The Florida franchise once again came from behind to claim an impressive victory with Leo Afonso scoring a late winner as Inter Miami came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 win against the MLS giants.
With Inter Miami down to nine men, the result was made even more impressive given the numerical advantage Philadelphia had, yet Martino’s side were able to dig in deep and come away with a big result on the road with Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez.
And Martino has said two players could now avoid criticism due to the result.
Inter Miami duo David Ruiz and Tomas Aviles could avoid criticism after Philadelphia Union win
Speaking to the Miami Herald, Martino hinted that David Ruiz and Tomas Aviles will be lucky to avoid criticism after the duo were sent off in last night’s win against the Philadelphia Union.
The youngsters were both dismissed having picked up two yellow cards during the match, with Ruiz sent off in the 69th minute as Aviles was given his marching orders in the 84th minute, with the score at 1-1.
Given that Inter Miami went on to win the game, the Ruiz and Aviles prospects can breathe a sigh of relief that their sending-offs didn’t throw away the result for the Herons, who remain top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings.
Martino said on the two sending-offs: “These are learning moments, but it is better that they learn those lessons during a win. If we had lost, the criticism from outside and their self-critique would have been much harsher.”
The Herons got away big time against Philadelphia
Inter Miami have rode their luck on several occasions this season, yet nothing can compare to the madness that was this weekend’s win against Philadelphia.
From one goal down and having two players sent off to still somehow winning without Messi or Suarez is nothing short of incredible from Inter Miami.
Yet heading into upcoming games, the Herons know they have to avoid being as lucky as they were against the Union, where Inter Miami will want to win games in a more straightforward manner.