Under-fire manager Javier Mascherano deserves his share of credit for this result, as the Argentine made a tactical shift from his favored 4-4-2 formation to a 4-3-3. He also moved up Alba from his preferred left back position to left wing. Both moves paid off immediately.
With Alba focusing largely on attack, he was able to dictate more in attack, and within 12 minutes, Miami got on the scoresheet as a result. Cristian Roldan was forced off possession by Yannick Bright, who immediately fed the ball to Messi. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner found the veteran Spaniard charging toward the goal and connected with him on a killer pass. Alba finished with ease to put Miami up 1-0.
Miami would have more opportunities to pad their lead, but couldn't capitalize early on. Messi beat two defenders in the box and had a wide-open net, but hit the crossbar in the 26th minute. He would more than make up for that moments later. Rodrigo De Paul, playing in his preferred central midfield position, broke up a play by Seattle to launch another attack in transition, and this time Alba would return the favor to Messi, finding the Argentine in the box. This time it was a typical finish from the former Barcelona star as he doubled the Herons' advantage in the 42nd minute. Paul Rothrock had a big opportunity to cut into the lead in the dying seconds of extra time but he was soundly blocked by Oscar Ustari by the near post.
The home side would continue its onslaught in the second half. De Paul launched a perfect corner kick into the head of Ian Fray in front of goal to push the Herons' advantage to 3-0 - the exact scoreline Seattle beat them in the Leagues Cup final on Aug. 31. Seattle would have other chances to narrow Miami's advantage but couldn't execute. Osaze De Rosario had a one v one on the break against Ustari, but his shot went left and hit the post. Obed Vargas launched a rocket that Ustari also denied. However, the introduction of U.S. international Jordan Morris breathed new life into Seattle.
The American cut inside the box from the right-hand side and saw Vargas open in space, and passed it out to him. The Mexico international blasted a shot past Ustari to cut the deficit to 3-1. Yet, Miami would bunker down after that attempt and ultimately hold on for the win.
With the win, Miami jump to fifth in the Eastern Conference and have three games in hand.
GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium...
