Three Up, Three Down: Welcome back, Robert Taylor! Farías continues fine form, Aviles shows versatility

Veterans Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba left Wednesday’s match early, but Inter Miami’s youngsters showed enough talent to notch a 4-0 win against last-place Toronto. Who shone for La Rosa Negra? I’m so glad you asked!

Three Up

Robert Taylor, A

[KEN] Taylor made our “Down” list on the weekend, playing flat footed and without urgency or energy against Atlanta United. It was another in a string of lackluster performances after a brilliant Leagues Cup in which he scored four goals and added five assists to help the Herons hoist their first-ever hardware. He must have read the concern in our comments, Matt, because Taylor played with confidence and creativity, especially after Messi and Alba left the match before the 40th minute. Two golazos and an assist later and the Finn is our man of the match.

[MATT] Yes, this was the Robert Taylor we came to expect in the Leagues Cup. Brilliant form, smart decisions and strong field vision. We missed it before the international break, but I'm glad he took heed of our comments and delivered against Toronto. The question now becomes one of consistency and if he can keep up the form, even with Messi potentially out of the picture on a limited basis.