Here's how González can fix Inter Miami's frustrating form before the playoffs

Las Garzas need some good things to happen down the stretch

Confidence fades with each blown lead and stoppage time loss but Inter Miami could still defend its MLS title and qualify for next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite their lackluster form since the beginning of August, the Herons (12-5-10, 46 points) are second in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, three points ahead of Charlotte and four in front of Chicago.

With just seven matches remaining, Miami isn't likely to catch league-leading Nashville SC (60 points) in the Supporters' Shield race, but Las Garzas -- sixth in the overall standings behind the Coyotes, Vancouver Whitecaps (50 points), St. Louis City (47), FC Dallas (47) and the New England Revolution (46 points, but with two more wins than the Herons) -- can still earn a top-three finish and almost certainly secure a spot in the Champions Cup field.

How can brand-new coach Kily González get the best out of the league's most talent-laden squad over the next 5 1/2 weeks? I have a few ideas:

1. Get healthy. Granted, this is out of González' hands, but Inter Miami needs its best and brightest on the pitch. This weekend's bye comes at the best possible time. Wingers Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende have missed most of the season and, after shoulder and knee surgery, respectively, won't be back this year. But the time off will give right wing back Ian Fray and midfielders Telasco Segovia and Yannick Bright time to heal, and the rest of the squad time to rest.

2. Stretch the field. Allende and Silvetti starred during Las Garzas' playoff run last year, using their speed to pull defenders vertically and horizontally and open space for Messi and De Paul. In their absence, the Herons have relied on new DP striker Germán Berterame and 39-year-old forwards Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez for goals. Berterame has been a major disappointment in his first season and, although Messi and Suárez have the guile and technical skill to keep Inter Miami atop the league's goals scored list, production has waned as opposing defenses have sat in a mid-block, clogging the midfield and forcing Miami turnovers that turn into counter opportunities.

Former coach Javier Mascherano changed the Herons' fortunes last year after choosing to bench Suárez and start Silvetti. González needs to show similar courage to reset Miami's attack. I really like an idea I first heard from the guys at The Drive Pink Dialogue: bench Berterame AND Suárez and install new wing Riquelme Fillipi and midfielder Matías Galarza on either side of Messi; let the young guys run to create width and depth for the attack; force defenses to cover more ground, leaving room for Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Segovia to create chances through the middle.

3. Bench Berterame. I like Berterame; I want him to find his form and find his fit with the Herons. But for his own sake, he needs a break. Berte's uncertainty and lack of confidence is painful to watch as he continues to miss chance after chance after chance. Put him on the bench for a match or two to relieve the pressure while González decides how best to use him. He is a tireless runner and could, I believe, be valuable as a spot starter or substitute for Filippi or Galarza. It's critical that he show some improvement over the season's final weeks; even if Inter Miami decides he isn't right for its project, it will be hard to move a striker who doesn't strike.

4. Lose the attitude. On Tuesday, the MLS Disciplinary Committee announced fines against Inter Miami CF, coach González, and players Sergio Reguilón, Micael, Yannick Bright, De Paul and Dániel Pintér for a "mass confrontation" after Bright fouled Columbus Crew striker Josef Martínez, a former Heron, on a Crew corner kick. The incident is just the latest example of how Las Garzas often lack game discipline and respect for officials. Suárez and De Paul constantly complain, whine and badger officials, and the habit has spread among the club's players.

Stop it. The so-called "dark arts" are counterproductive and distract players from the focusing on their play. Several times in the past few seasons opponents have turned takeaways into goals while Heron defenders stood flat-footed wailing about a missed call. Whether the foul happened or not, I want my team to transition immediately into a counter press or a full-out sprint to recover defensive position. The team captain can make the case to the referee after the play.

5. Believe. The Herons are a very talented soccer team. This season has been disrupted in ways last season wasn't, but Las Garzas proved a year ago that Miami can find that higher gear when necessary. And never, ever, underestimate Lionel Messi. Even is the twilight of his career, he can create magical moments.

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