Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami carry “confidence” into Sporting KC test
Somewhat lost in the noise of Miami’s epic summer makeover has been Sporting’s own turnaround following a dire start to the season.
After going winless in their first 10 games of 2023, SKC have righted the ship and are in the thick of the playoff race – thanks in large part to the performances of Designated Player Alan Pulido. The club-record signing from Chivas de Guadalajara missed the entire 2022 campaign with a knee injury but is back with a vengeance, putting together his best season in MLS with 12g/3a.
Even with a red-hot striker in form and his club riding a two-game winning streak, SKC manager and sporting director Peter Vermes isn’t taking anything for granted against a short-handed Miami side.
“For us, it truly doesn’t matter who’s playing because, as you said, they have a very, very good roster,” Vermes said, noting the Herons’ depth helps make up for Messi’s absence. “They have a lot of players that can play at a very high level and there’s a lot of quality there.”
As Sporting sit two points behind the playoff line in the Western Conference with just seven games remaining, a positive result is essential to keep their postseason hopes alive.
“We know that we’re going into the lion’s den and we got to get something out of this game,” Vermes said. “I don’t know what it is, but we have to get something out of this game.”
