With the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal against Vancouver Whitecaps on sight, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed Luis Suarez’s recent struggles in front of goal.
Inter Miami have been one of the standout teams in the 2025 MLS season so far, known for their solid defense and an attack full of stars. However, Luis Suarez has struggled in recent weeks to make a major impact. As the team enters a critical stretch of the season, head coach Javier Mascherano addressed Suárez’s scoring drought.
The Vancouver Whitecaps stunned Inter Miami in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals with a 2-0 win — on a night when the Florida side struggled to create clear chances. Among the players who have been scrutinized for their recent performances is Suarez, who has now gone eight games without scoring for the Herons.
When asked about Suarez’s struggles, Mascherano backed his veteran striker. “His career speaks for itself. We know that many times strikers go through stretches where they can’t find the back of the net, and he’s probably going through one of those moments,” he said on Saturday’s press conference.
Despite Suárez’s scoring drought, Mascherano emphasized the team’s responsibility to support him: “But we never focus on just one player. It also has to do with what we, as a team, are able to create for him — so he can find different situations and chances to score. If that doesn’t happen, obviously it becomes more difficult for him.”
Suarez’s last goal came on March 13, when he scored a penalty against SC Cavalier. So far in the 2025 season, the Uruguayan legend has featured in 15 matches, recording four goals and six assists. Yet, in key moments where Inter Miami’s attack has struggled, Suarez’s lack of form has become a noticeable concern.
Inter Miami’s growing struggles in front of goal
Comparisons have been inevitable between Inter Miami’s 2024 and 2025 teams. Under Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the Herons were more direct and dangerous in attack, whereas Mascherano’s side has been defined more by defensive solidity. However, in recent weeks, the team has struggled to show clarity and sharpness in front of goal.
When asked about the team’s difficulty finding goals, Mascherano gave a candid response: “Against Columbus Crew, we created one real scoring chance and not much more. The other day, we had a few opportunities, maybe not very clear ones, but against Chicago Fire we created 10 scoring chances. Then, it can happen that you don’t convert them. Against Columbus, we created two and scored one.”
Mascherano also addressed the need for improvement ahead of the critical second leg against Vancouver: “We’re not a team that’s scoring a lot of goals right now — it’s been difficult — but you have to differentiate from one match to another. Clearly, we have to adjust and create more — and clearer — chances, especially knowing that on Wednesday we need to score at least two goals just to level the tie.”
