What we learned from RSL's 0-2 loss to Inter Miami

RSL wasn't good enough, but they were at the races for a long time.

April 23, 2026

This Messi moment

Hey, we didn’t let Lionel Messi score. That’s something. It honestly felt like his best opportunities were from set pieces, and even then, he wasn’t particularly accurate. I think this comes down to a few factors — like Justen Glad playing well from a last-ditch perspective and Noel Caliskan really anchoring the midfield. Those sorts of things.

DeAndre Yedlin’s wild ride

I thought that it was an unusual choice to have DeAndre Yedlin play in this team as a wide center back, and I’ll stand by that. When Jason Kreis described RSLs’ going to a three-man back line as an opportunity for the team to defend like they attack, I was skeptical that it would work out that way, and I think we saw tonight that it’s going to look a bit different than described.

Often we saw Yedlin pushing forward, and on at least one occasion, he even wound up on the left wing. Now, I know those were late-game measures to attempt to work a draw out of defeat, but it’s still an interesting thing worth thinking about.

I’m still not certain what we’re attempting with Yedlin makes a ton of sense, especially if the stated aim is to have a more reliable defensive shape. That said, I think it does make sense to have a well-established right back taking up right back positions, even if also retreats into a more central position.

The Zavier Gozo show (nearly)

It was clear that Zavier Gozo was highly motivated to leave his mark on this game, with four shots and a couple golden opportunities in the second half. His frustration was also made readily apparent, but I’m not bothered: Gozo did what he could to take the game by the horns, and though he wasn’t particularly successful, the efforts spoke to a player who is willing and able to push.

The team as a whole sort of fell apart around when RSL first conceded a goal. That didn’t put Gozo in a better position, but he continued pushing. I like the approach and the attitude.

A few more things

With a bit more fortune, Sergi Solans could have stolen the show against Miami.
Miami’s ability to just flip the switch makes them a particularly dangerous side, and we saw how that can disrupt this young RSL team.
Likewise, RSL’s ability to crumble is something we haven’t really seen this year. After a string of successful games against bad teams, can RSL find their footing again?