Mascherano demands attacking improvements from underperforming Miami

Javier Mascherano says there will be no excuses for Inter Miami's attacking shortfalls when they next visit the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS action.

Miami were hammered 4-1 by Minnesota United in their last outing, dropping down to fourth in the Eastern Conference after just their second league defeat this season.

Lionel Messi reduced the arrears to 2-1 after a first-half double blow from Minnesota but the hosts hit back with another two strikes after the interval to secure a crushing win.

Mascherano elected not to field a striker against Minnesota after Luis Suarez had to miss the match due to "personal reasons".

The Miami boss refused to blame the lack of an out-and-out striker on the defeat, however, pointing to a general struggle for space.

"It’s very hard to find clarity when there’s no space," he said. "Of course, that’s not an excuse - we have to work on that.

"The opponent did well, and we struggled. We had some chances, but every time we attacked, they hurt us badly in transition."

The former Argentina and Barcelona defender will be desperate for his side to find attacking answers, though was left concerned with a lack of defensive protection as well.

"Unfortunately, it’s a tough defeat for us because, despite everything, we knew Minnesota could hurt us in this way, the way we had prepared for, and that’s what worries me the most," he added.

"We have to win our duels. We want to be the protagonists and that means taking risks [defensively], but we are losing the ball in transition and the opponent gets counters of 50 to 60 meters.

"We have to improve on that."

San Jose are seventh in the Western Conference after a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids made it back-to-back MLS wins.

Former Miami striker Josef Martinez will be a familiar face for San Jose, who are coached by former United States men's national team boss Bruce Arena.

Regardless of who Miami face, Mascherano knows his side need to get back on track.

"If the players’ performance levels drop, clearly, the responsibility falls on me, the coach," Mascherano said.

"If the coach does not convince them or instil in them what he is asking them to do, the responsibility falls on him."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Cristian Arango

Arango has been the standout performer for San Jose this year, with his eight MLS goals leading the way for the Earthquakes.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi has been involved in five goals in four career matches for club and country in California (two goals, three assists) but he failed to contribute to a goal in his last visit to the Golden State, a loss to Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup in April.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

San Jose have won three straight matches in all competitions for the first time in a year. The Earthquakes last won four consecutive games in all competitions in July 2019.

The Earthquakes have not won consecutive home matches in league play in over two years, since a three-match winning run in April-May 2023.

The lone previous meetings between San Jose and Miami was a 1-0 road win for Miami in August 2022 on a goal from Jean Mota in the 12th minute.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes win – 24.5%

Inter Miami win – 52.6%

Draw – 22.9