FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami CF will get an immediate taste of what it takes to match their lofty ambitions to be the team, both at home and abroad, when the expansion club goes one-on-one with the record-breaking 2019 Supporters' Shield winner LAFC at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday (5:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN in the U.S., MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada).
But while the expansion side's roster has plenty of new imported talent like Designated Players Rodolfo Pizarro and Matias Pellegrini, they can also count on a collection of MLS veterans who know all about what it takes to succeed in the league.
And one player, in particular, is more than a little familiar with just how big Miami's task is in their opening game.
“A lot of the guys have seen LAFC last season and the records they broke,” midfielder Nguyen, who made 25 appearances for LAFC last season, said at Miami's training facility on Wednesday. “They’re pretty much the same team, if not stronger this season. It’s going to be a tough task this weekend. It should give us a good measurement of where we want to be.”
The 33-year-old, who joined Inter Miami in November of last year as an expansion draft pick, has experienced plenty of success in the league, last year adding the Supporters’ Shield title to the MLS Best XI nod he received in 2014 while playing for the New England Revolution.
Sunday will be the first time Nguyen faces LAFC as an opponent rather than defending the black and gold colors.
“It will be emotional for sure. I was there for two seasons and I built a great relationship with my teammates, with the staff, with the front office and with the fans. It was a big part of my career and I enjoyed my time there. It will be great to come back and see the fans.”
Another player who is familiar with LAFC is Panama International Roman Torres. During his time as a Seattle Sounders center back, Torres faced off with the Black and Gold multiple times, most notably when the 33-year-old came on for the final few minutes to ensure the Sounders’ upset victory over LAFC in last season’s Western Conference Final.
“The team is very focused and motivated," Torres said. "We have been waiting for this match for a while. I think we have a great team to compete on Sunday.
While the defender admits that this Inter Miami club is different from his former teams, he did highlight one attribute that sets this current group apart.
“The most important thing for us is that we have a group of guys that is like a family and that will be able to do great things together.”
Torres seems to have adopted one of Inter Miami’s mottos — “Welcome to La Familia.” The former Seattle Sounder has made sure to show some of his younger teammates some support and guidance.
“The young players we have here are good guys. They love to compete and to win, which is important. I have spoken to them About managing any anxieties and keeping calm and to remain focused on the task at hand.”
While the 2018 World Cup’s heaviest player may have an intimidating physical presence, Torres likes to keep things light-hearted in the locker room.
“It’s important to be a team with a happy atmosphere, to always keep the music playing in the locker room or in the bus on the way to games or practice," Torres said. "That’s part of this great family.”
