The Daily Heron: There’s No Hands In Soccer

Welcome to your wrap-up of sometimes important, but often just interesting headlines related to Inter Miami.

Today, we see the Herons experimenting with a new form of soccer and some other cool stuff.

Let’s get into it.

It’s Not Frisbee Football, But Close

Inter Miami is just a day away from its knockout stage game with Florida rival Orlando City in the 2023 Leagues Cup.

So, how did Tata Martino’s men practice? By using their hands.

I imagine this was a way to practice defense, getting open and making the right pass.

If nothing else, it does seem like the squad is interacting well with the addition of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to the squad.

Although, I’m not altogether sure what we’re trying to do in this practice, but who am I to question it?

Inter Miami Presser Before Orlando City

I’m not going to say much about this, but if you are interested in hearing Martino and Alba speak before the Orlando City match, here you go:

You might get the impression that Alba could see some playing time against the Lions, which would be great.

In Other MLS-Related News

It appears New England Revolution Sporting Director Bruce Arena has been given a short vacation in the middle of the Leagues Cup:

A report from ESPN didn’t really elaborate on what was said or when it was said, but did state that Curt Onalfo was named interim sporting director and Richie Williams was interim coach.

Inter Miami’s Path In the Leagues Cup

The bracket is set and Inter Miami will start its path to the 2023 Leagues Cup against Orlando City.

However, MLS Buzz laid out the potential future matchups for the Herons, if they progress:

A win against Orlando would see the Herons take on the winner of FC Dallas and Mazatlan. Then, either Charlotte, Cruz Azul, Pachuca or Houston await in the quarters.

Not sure I agree that it’s the easier path, but not facing LAFC, FC Cincinnati (which Inter will play in the U.S. Open Cup semis later this month) or Club America is certainly nice to see.

Inter Miami II Transfer Mendez

In another piece of transfer business, Inter Miami II has transferred defender Modesto Mendez to Hartford Athletic:

According to the club, Mendez joined Inter Miami II in 2020 and played in 45 matches across four seasons. He had two goals and two assists in those appearances.

The Waiting Game for Sergio Ramos

The latest rumor is that former Paris-St. Germain defender Sergio Ramos is waiting on Inter Miami to put together a deal to bring him to South Florida:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… if Inter Miami makes one more move in the transfer window and can fit him on the roster, they could do a lot worse than Sergio Ramos.