Three Up, Three Down: Kamal Miller shines in otherwise lackluster Inter Miami team effort against Nashville

Drake Callender A

[KEN] Our U.S. National Men’s Team goalkeeper showed why Gregg Berhalter tabbed him for international duty against Uzbekistan and Oman next week. He only had to make two saves, but he made them and they were spectacular. Not many keepers have Callender’s whip-quick reflexes — he’s known primarily as a shot-stopper — but our guy is improving in other aspects of the job: positioning, reading the play, defensive angles, distribution…. He certainly should be the Herons’ player of the year, although the Messi hype train is liable to steamroll all mere mortals nominated for the award — especially if he leads us to the postseason.

[MATT] I'm telling you that, outside of Lionel Messi, Callender is Inter Miami's player of the year.

He's put on a master class in the box. I go back to the first Leagues Cup group game where he, singlehandedly, kept Inter Miami in the match before Messi and Co. finished them off.

And he's done this with a lackluster defense in front of him.

Callender's been the biggest bright spot on a defense that has underperformed and put Inter Miami in the spot they're in now... scrapping to get into the MLS Cup playoffs.

With a strong defense in front of him, Callender would challenge for the USMNT's top goalkeeper spot... I'd put money on it.