Inter Miami were on the receiving end of one of the biggest shocks in the 2024 MLS season after Atlanta United eliminated the Herons from the play-offs.
Despite taking the lead through Matias Rojas and Lionel Messi scoring an equalizing goal in the second-half, Inter Miami were unable to book their passage to the next round of the play-offs with Atlanta securing a 3-2 win.
With Tata Martino sharing Inter Miami’s ‘sad’ mood after the result, questions will be raised on how the Florida franchise crashed out in the post-season at the first hurdle in such a shocking fashion against Atlanta.
And MLS expert Andrew Wiebe has shared one theory whilst also pointing figures at an Inter Miami player.
Tomas Aviles’ ‘unacceptable’ behavior linked to Inter Miami’s Atlanta loss
Speaking on MLS Wrap-Up, the pundit noted how Tomas Aviles lying down in the penalty box trying to stop the play as Atlanta went on to score their third and decisive goal summed up how immature Inter Miami can be at times when it comes to defending.
Inter Miami this season won an MLS record 31 points from losing positions in the regular season, and whilst going behind might have worked in some instances, the Herons were fairly found out against Atlanta, who were ruthless in the attack.
Wiebe said: “I think the biggest moment for me when I look back at this game is Aviles on the ground in the box laying as Atlanta United attack with Miami’s season on the line, that’s unacceptable. And to me, Miami lost this match in the same way they have lost almost every match this season.
“31 points from losing positions this season, when you’re walking the trapeze, eventually you are going to fall off, and in this game, Miami fell off because they exposed too much space in behind, they gave away too many opportunities, and they just don’t have enough defensive focus when it comes down ‘this play of go home,’ and now they’re going home.”
Inter Miami need to sort things out at the back for 2025
Inter Miami were the best team in the regular season in MLS this year, yet considering the Herons’ style of play and how dangerous the Florida franchise can be at times, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Supporters’ Shield champions crashed out in the play-offs as early as they did.
And heading into 2025, Inter Miami need to put a huge emphasis on sorting out their issues at the back as well as the manner some of their defenders go about in key moments of games, with Aviles letting his side down with his play-acting against Atlanta.
For all the attacking firepower Inter Miami have, all of it means nothing if the Herons can’t keep things clean and tidy at the back, and some big questions need to be asked heading into preparations for next season.