Minnesota United and Inter Miami enter Saturday's meeting on good form, albeit with different views on what they are seeking from the season. The match will be held at Allianz Field, Minnesota's home ground, where they are in good shape second in the MLS Western Conference.
Inter are fourth in the Eastern Conference and seeking to stay among the pacesetters. Both teams won their most recent games and come into the meeting confidently, but under pressure too. The meeting brings together a rising team and one seeking to bear the weight of expectations.
Minnesota began strong and seeking to stay on track
Following the end of sixth in 2024 and conference semifinal elimination, Minnesota United got off to a good start in this season. In 11 games, they've earned 19 points and lost only two. The season has been consistent, and roster changes seem to be working in their favor. The team ran on an eight-game unbeaten streak before getting defeated by Vancouver Whitecaps towards the end of April. The loss broke the good run, but the team recovered quickly.
They beat Austin FC 3–0 on the road in the next round. That was their second straight win overall. The victory was significant as it featured the debut of Julian Gressel, who was released by Inter Miami. Joaquín Pereyra and Anthony Markanich also netted their first goals for the club. Pereyra, one of the team's designated players, continues to slowly gain momentum.
Tani Oluwaseyi and Kelvin Yeboah have been the most prolific forwards. Combined, they've already hit nine goals. The team also trusts Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who has been one of the MLS stars this year. He leads the league in clean sheets. The team has picked up pace in the recent rounds and is growing more confident. Head coach Eric Ramsay, the new man in charge this season, has implemented strategic lineup changes and is greatly welcomed by the fans.
Inter Miami reacts following weeks of pressure
Inter Miami also won the last round. They humiliated the New York Red Bulls 4-1 and ended an embarrassing run. Before that, they had lost to Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup. The two losses at the hands of the Canadian side put the team under pressure. Between those losses, they had also lost to FC Dallas 4-3 despite taking a 3-1 lead at home.
The win over Red Bulls was able to retransform the atmosphere. Having Messi and Luis Suárez on the field, the team was once more effective on offense. The win pushed the Herons into 21 points from 10 matches. They are currently just one point back of the second-and third-best teams in the Eastern Conference, and two from leaders Columbus Crew. They also have a game in hand on all these clubs.
Javier Mascherano is trying to keep the team on an even keel. The team was shuffled in recent matches, and maybe that was why some losses happened. Currently, as there is no other competition, everything has been set up for MLS now. Seven matches are scheduled during May and the club wants to utilize the maximum of this window to score maximum points before they go into FIFA Club World Cup break.
Minnesota and Inter Miami are coming into the game from different places. The home side desires consistency, stability, and an actual opportunity at something better. The visitors need to prove they have what it takes to play in any condition. Both clubs have come from solid wins, have the marquee players playing well, and are fully invested in MLS.