Tata Martino has named Drake Callender as Inter Miami’s star player against LA Galaxy despite Lionel Messi scoring the crucial equalizing goal.
The 36-year-old superstar came up clutch at the right moment for the Herons last night in Carston as Messi rescued a point for Inter Miami against MLS giants the Galaxy.
Yet things could have been much different had it not been for Callender, who early on in the match was forced into saving a penalty to keep Inter Miami in the game against a dominant Galaxy side.
Inter Miami manager praises ‘decisive’ Drake Callender after LA Galaxy draw
And speaking to the press via AS after the result, Martino was quick to praise Callender for his penalty save and overall performance for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.
Indeed, Callender’s stock has risen considerably since the arrival of Messi, with the USA international proving his incredible worth between the sticks, especially when it comes to saving the penalties.
And although the Argentine forward was the ultimate hero for Inter Miami, Callender deserves his flowers after such a crucial role in the Herons coming away from California with a good point.
Martino said when asked about Callender’s performance: “He was decisive again. It’s largely thanks to him that the team was still in the match after the first half.”
Lionel Messi will be happy to see Inter Miami teammate rightly praised
Messi’s brilliant moment of magic was something to behold late on against the Galaxy last night, with the attacker combing well with Jordi Alba to score a crucial goal.
Yet the Argentine will be happy to see Callender receive the praise post-match, with the goalkeeper raising his game to new heights since the rebirth of Inter Miami last year.
The US international will be key to the Herons in their quest to win every piece of silverware this season, and Callender will be pleased with his big performance last night against the Galaxy in his home state.