Callender called up to USMNT
By Official Florida FC
Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender was named to the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the Continental Classico on Wednesday.
He was one of two Inter Miami players called up for the April 19 match against Mexico in Glendale, Arizona. Fullback, and World Cup veteran, DeAndre Yedlin was also called up to the national team.
Callender hopes to earn his first cap with the national team. The 25-year-old Californian won the Inter Miami job midway through the 2022 season and has grown in the gig. Callender has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday three times this season, despite Inter Miami sporting a 2-5 record.
Inter Miami is 25th in MLS in expected goals allowed. However, the Herons are fifth in the league in save percentage at 80 percent. In short, it means Callender’s performances between the posts have not been the reason Inter Miami has lost five straight league matches.
Inter Miami acquires Canadian international
Inter Miami’s porous defense in front of Callender, especially since captain Gregore sustained a foot injury in March, meant something had to be done either about the lineup, the system or personnel.
The first two were tried. Wednesday, Inter Miami acquired Canadian international defender Kamal Miller from CF Montreal for midfielder Bryce Duke, winger Ariel Lassiter and $1.3 million in allocation money.
Miller played all 270 minutes for Canada at the 2022 World Cup. He’s 25 years old and already earned 32 caps for his country.
“Kamal is a standout defender who’s just entering his prime. He’s improved every year of his career and become one of the league’s best players at his position. He has also excelled on the international stage, including at the biggest stage in the World Cup. Additionally, this trade gives us the flexibility to continue making exciting moves in the near future and further strengthen our squad,” Inter Miami Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson told the team’s website.
Transitioning from Canada to the humidity of Florida should not be a problem for Miller. He made his professional debut with Orlando City in the 2019 season. He was left available in the 2020 MLS Expansion draft – Austin FC promptly traded Miller to Montreal – which is how the Ontario native made his way to Quebec.
Herons sign defensive midfielder
Thursday, Inter Miami announced it acquired holding midfielder Dixon Arroyo through the end of the season. The 30-year-old has spent most of his professional career in Ecuador. He helped S.D. Quito win a league title in 2011 and has been on clubs that made extended runs in the Copa Libertadores.
The questions are: whether he can get his visa and, if so, how quickly he can settle?
Inter Miami has been susceptible on counterattacks since Gregore’s injury. That was most apparent in last week’s 1-0 loss to FC Dallas that could have been worse if not for shoddy finishing from the visitors and Callender’s assured handling.
