Inter Miami aim to bounce back from a shocking defeat as they travel to face Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon.
The Herons (5-2-4, 19 points) blew a three-goal advantage in a 4-3 home loss to rival Orlando City last weekend. Interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos acknowledged adjustments are needed, but emphasized they will be handled internally.
“I’m honest, I work hard, and one result doesn’t change my mindset,” Hoyos said. “I will tell that to everyone. I’m proud of my team, but certain things need to be fine-tuned behind closed doors.”
Luis Suarez urged the squad to move on from the collapse.
“There are games that go well and others that don’t,” Suarez said. “We’ll be ready for difficult moments and keep working to improve.”
Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami with eight goals and two assists in 10 MLS appearances. Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser called the 38-year-old Argentine “the best to ever play the game.”
“You have to track him, know his position, and defend him very well,” Fraser said. “Then you need a bit of luck. But I believe we can create our own luck when we have the ball and execute our game plan.”
Toronto FC (3-3-5, 14 points) earned a 1-1 draw against Western Conference leaders San Jose Earthquakes last Saturday. Daniel Salloi scored in the second minute for Toronto.
Acquired from Sporting Kansas City in February for a guaranteed $300,000 in General Allocation Money, the 29-year-old Hungarian has tallied a team-high four goals and three assists.
“Daniel has been fantastic for us—an incredible addition,” Fraser said. “Not only as a player, but as a person and teammate.”
Toronto has drawn four of their last six league matches (1-1-4), and Fraser seeks another fast start against Miami.
“We want to be aggressive with and without the ball,” Fraser said. “Intensity has probably been our trademark.”
