Inter Miami put on a show in Panama and walked away with a comfortable 1–3 victory against Sporting San Miguelito.
Coming off of back-to-back draws this preseason, Inter Miami headed to Panama hoping to collect their first regular time win under new head coach, Javier Mascherano. The Herons quickly found themselves on the backfoot, though, after Sporting San Miguelito’s Adan Hendricks scored in the 24th minute.
Miami responded with constant pressure that eventually paid off on the brink of halftime. In his first start this preseason, 19-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi found the back of the net to put his side level.
Mascherano’s men came out of the tunnel with a point to prove. Tadeo Allende gave Miami the lead just three minutes into the second half, scoring his first goal in a pink shirt. Fafà Picault followed up his new teammate with a goal of his own to put Miami in full control of the match.
Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Aymar Cundumí was sent off in the 71st minute. Now against 10 men, Miami cruised through the remainder of the match and finally secured a non-penalty shootout victory.
Check out the player ratings from Miami’s dominant 1–3 win below.
READ THE LATEST INTER MIAMI NEWS, PREVIEWS, PREDICTIONS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE
Miami secured their first win under new head coach Javier Mascherano with a dominant 3-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. Here are the player ratings from the match:
1. Gonzalo Higuain – 9/10: The Argentine striker was in top form, scoring two goals and providing a constant threat in attack.
2. Blaise Matuidi – 8/10: Matuidi controlled the midfield with his tireless work rate and provided an assist for Higuain’s first goal.
3. Lewis Morgan – 7/10: Morgan was a constant threat down the wings, providing width and creating chances for his teammates.
4. Ryan Shawcross – 8/10: The veteran defender was solid at the back, organizing the defense and keeping a clean sheet.
5. Rodolfo Pizarro – 7/10: Pizarro was instrumental in linking up play between the midfield and attack, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Overall, it was a fantastic team performance from Miami as they secured an important win under Mascherano’s leadership. With players like Higuain and Matuidi in top form, Miami will be looking to build on this victory and climb up the standings in the MLS.
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium has given new definition to the modern-day multipurpose stadium.
Zak Mauger
In a world far removed from the popular multi-purpose concrete dome stadiums that peppered the country roughly 50 years ago, the concept of the multi-purpose stadium now has a modern-day example: Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
The home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and University of Miami Hurricanes football team, Hard Rock Stadium has turned into an example of using both the stadium and the site for mega-events far beyond just one sport. Even after the stadium adds a marquee football event to its roster, hosting the Orange Bowl Jan. 9, one of the College Football Playoff’s semifinals, the 265-acre site will transform as the regular home to one of the largest tennis tournaments on the sport’s calendar, hosting the Miami Open each spring since 2019, and one of the newest stops on the worldwide F1 circuit, hosting the Miami Grand Prix since 2022.
That’s not all. Hard Rock Stadium will also host FIFA World Cup games in 2026, eight FIFA Club World Cup matches in 2025, the College Football Playoffs national championship game in January 2026 and plenty of additional concerts, such as Shakira, Post Malone and Cold Play.
The Miami Open tennis tournament takes shape in and around Hard Rock Stadium each spring.
Miami Dolphins
“The next two years is pretty intense with respect to the schedule,” Todd Boyan, senior vice president of stadium operations for the Dolphins, tells me. “We spend a lot of time planning and thinking through the steps that need to be taken.”
That’s the plight of a modern-day multi-purpose venue.
“I think we are fortunate to have an owner who had a vision to make this a global entertainment destination,” Boyan says. The site has hosted the Dolphins for over three decades and also welcomed MLB for 19 years. The venue once resembled a more traditional multi-purpose stadium. That all changed when the baseball team moved out and a 2015 major overhaul set the stage to host new events to bring in a diverse mix of fans.
Hard Rock Stadium plays host to two different football teams while also serving as a multipurpose … [+] venue hosting tennis and F1 racing.
Kelly Gavin
“We want to do things nobody else does,” Boyan says. “How do you execute a tennis tournament after a football season and then add a Formula 1 track with 200 acres of hospitality, a marina for yachts and a beach club? We have a lot on offer for an entertainment landscape. We are doing things nobody else is doing.”
Boyan says counterparts across both the NFL and college football are “shaking their heads in amazement in the tasks we take on and the scale we take on.” Along with the vision from ownership and leadership, having over 250 acres of flexible space helps make Hard Rock Stadium a workable site to host so many unique events.
It takes pinpoint logistics to make it all happen. The changeover between the Dolphins, the Hurricanes and even the Orange Bowl comes standard in the industry, mainly featuring décor switches, field logo changes and building clean up. Once the Orange Bowl wraps and the NFL season ends, that’s when the hustle starts, readying for the March Miami Open and the 395,683 fans that come, all ahead of the 275,799 fans for the F1 race weekend.
Part of the annual F1 race held at Hard Rock Stadium is the creation of an on-site marina for … [+] hospitality.
Miami Dolphins
The 17 practice courts and nine competition courts outside the stadium get resurfaced every year. The stadium court, inside Hard Rock Stadium, is built on the football field with a 6,000-seat temporary structure with suites, a press box and luxury seating all pushed against the south sideline of the stadium to create a 14,000-seat stadium within a stadium. It takes a couple of months to build the structure ahead of the roughly two-week event.
At the same time, outside bleachers are going up around the courts and sponsor activation areas, food and beverage spaces, hospitality and plenty of décor takes shape. “Our group does a good job of trying to evolve and improve every year,” Boyan says, “and the design of what we do we try to take up a level every year.”
Then comes the transition from March tennis to a May weekend of F1, giving the team roughly a month to make the switch. Plenty of the tennis-related structures stay up for racing, used for both events. The overlap between the two helps the stadium pull them both off.
The Stadium Court during the Miami Open tennis tournament inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Ind-ya Vassell/South Florida Stadium
“The goal from our perspective is to use structures not just for one event, but multiple events,” Boyan says. “There are efficiencies in schedule and build time. It all goes into the conversion from tennis to F1.”
In addition, the F1 paddock building that houses the garage and hospitality during F1 is also a member lounge for NFL games and was a massive retail merchandise space for the three-night Taylor Swift event in late 2024.
Still, getting ready for F1 is a push, with a 24-hours-a-day take down of the stadium court from tennis—in 2024 it took nine days—to turn the field into 13 team hospitality structures for the Miami Grand Prix, part of the 21 total hospitality structures and 134 tents used across the grounds.
A view of the Paddock Club during the F1 Miami Grand Prix in May 2024.
Tomás Diniz Santos/F1 Miami GP
The differing events provide a synergy for both the venue and the fans. “The more people who come to the stadium and experience the entertainment, the more likely they will be to come back,” Boyan says. “Our primary focus is on the fan experience to make sure they have a premier experience and come back for something else.”
He cites the Miami Open’s large contingent of South American fans who flock to the city for tennis. Many make a return trip for F1, an overlap the stadium tracks, especially with tennis and F1 two of the most global sports. “We see some benefits in having this diverse set of events,” Boyan says. “People will come to an NFL game and also to a F1 race. People are general sports or entertainment fans. They will go to a concert and say I want to come back and go to a tennis event.”
While each stadium and each market come unique, Boyan says the international flavor of Miami with the site and climate allows the venue to really embrace such a range of events on its calendar. “We have found content we think is great for south Florida,” he says. “Each city needs to look at what their assets are and what makes sense for them.”
That’s how stadiums can build a modern-day multi-purpose event space. “Multi-purpose facilities are not different types of content in the seating bowl,” Boyan says, “but what else can you do to generate content on the property? Each stadium is a little bit different.” For its part, Hard Rock Stadium has created an internationally flavored blueprint.
Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium has quickly become one of the most iconic and versatile venues in the country. Originally built in 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium, the stadium underwent a major renovation in 2015 that transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility that can host a wide range of events.
With a seating capacity of over 65,000, Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes college football team. But its versatility doesn’t stop there. The stadium has also hosted major events such as the Super Bowl, college football playoffs, international soccer matches, and concerts featuring some of the biggest names in music.
One of the standout features of Hard Rock Stadium is its cutting-edge canopy roof, which not only provides shade for fans but also helps to create a more intimate and acoustically pleasing environment for concerts and other events. The stadium also boasts over 200 luxury suites, multiple clubs and lounges, and a variety of premium seating options, making it a top choice for corporate events and VIP experiences.
In addition to its impressive amenities, Hard Rock Stadium is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The stadium has implemented energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and a robust recycling program, earning it LEED Gold certification for its green building practices.
Whether you’re a sports fan, music lover, or corporate event planner, Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium offers a modern and versatile venue for all types of gatherings. With its world-class amenities, commitment to sustainability, and track record of hosting successful events, it’s no wonder that Hard Rock Stadium has become a premier destination for entertainment in South Florida.
Everyone from Ringer NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay to College Football Hall of Fame head coach Steve Spurrier criticized the move, joining thousands of others on social media as Ward stood on the sidelines during the second half a 42-41 loss to Iowa State. From one perspective, it looked like a snap decision to opt out.
Ward playing a half or a quarter was the plan all along behind the scenes at Miami, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
Ward wanted to play, setting Division I career records for passing touchdowns (158) in the process. And Miami wanted to look at his backup quarterback Emory Williams for an extended period to see what it could have for the 2025 season.
Thus, both were always supposed to see time in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
“(It was) first quarter to a half max and turn the keys over to Emory for the second half,” a source said. “As they did.”
That plan wasn’t communicated publicly by Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal, who added fuel to the fire postgame by declining to comment on the situation.
“I think all meetings with players and decisions like that, we should make them in private and keep them in private,” Cristobal said.
Miami always intended to get a longer look at Williams. After he went 5 for 14 with an interception as Miami squandered a 31-28 halftime lead, it appears the fact-finding mission has paid off. Miami, which already went after Washington State QB John Mateer earlier in the cycle, is expected to pursue other options at quarterback, reports David Lake of 247Sports’ Inside the U. Though rolling with Williams in 2025 remains an option.
There was talk that Ward only wanted to play in the game to break Case Keenum’s D-I all-time passing touchdown record, which he did in with 4:12 in the first quarter with a four-yard pass to Jacolby George. But Ward, a possible No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, did not exit the game at that point. He played four more series, helping the Hurricanes secure a halftime lead.
Still, the discourse surrounding the game centered almost solely on Ward exiting the game early despite several other Hurricanes starters sitting out the game and every top quarterback draft pick from last season (Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels) opting out of their bowl game. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Ward’s competition to be QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft, played the entirety of the Buffaloes’ loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl.
By any measure, Ward’s story is one of the most successful no-star to college superstar narratives in college football history. It ends with an odd twist of the narrative.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward’s unexpected halftime exit during the team’s recent bowl game has left fans scratching their heads. However, it turns out that his early departure was actually part of Miami’s game plan all along.
According to sources close to the team, Miami had decided prior to the game that Ward would only play the first half, regardless of the score or his performance. The decision was made in order to give their backup quarterback some valuable playing time and experience in a high-pressure situation.
While some fans may have been surprised by Ward’s early exit, it was all part of Miami’s strategy to prepare their team for future success. And although they may not have publicly announced their plans, it seems that the Hurricanes had it all figured out from the start.
Tags:
Cameron Ward, Miami, bowl game, halftime exit, plan, strategy, Miami Hurricanes, college football, sports news, player management, game tactics
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward, a potential top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, set the NCAA Division I record for touchdown passes during his bowl game appearance on Saturday and then sat for the second half.
Ward and the Hurricanes played the Iowa State Cyclones in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Ward set the mark with a touchdown pass in the first quarter to Jacolby George. It brought him to 156 career touchdown passes. Emory Williams started the second half, and Miami went on to lose the game, 42-41.
Miami quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws a pass during the first half of the Pop Tarts Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was asked about the decision after the game.
“All meetings with players, and decisions like that, we made them in private, we keep them in private,” Cristobal said, via ESPN. “So, I’ll prefer not to answer any questions as it relates to that. But I know he played his best while he was in there.”
Ward’s decision caught the attention of social media as well.
The quarterback broke Case Keenum’s record. Keenum set the Division I – FBS and FCS – record from 2007 to 2011. He had 155 touchdown passes with the Houston Cougars.
Dec. 28, 2024; Orlando, Fla.: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) stands on the sideline during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium.(Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images)
“Just blessed, man,” he told WQAM Radio. “I think I’ve grown so much as a person this year, outside of football. This is the best team that I’ve been around . . . I was just blessed to be here.”
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is on the cusp of passing Keenum’s mark as well. He has 153 touchdown passes in six seasons. He could get close to breaking the mark in the College Football Playoff.
Ward may be one of the first of a few talented quarterbacks taken off the board in the spring when the draft begins. Shedeur Sanders, Quinn Ewers and Carson Beck are among the top prospects.
Dec. 28, 2024; Orlando, Fla.: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) gestures during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium.(Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images)
“I think Cam’s DNA, his upbringing, everything that he is made of and stands for is the right kind of stuff; the stuff you want your team made of,” Cristobal said. “He’s had a tremendous impact on our community, our team, our program, alumni.”
Miami’s star quarterback, Cam Ward, made headlines today after opting out of the team’s bowl game in the second half, despite setting a new school record for touchdown passes in the first half. Ward’s decision has ignited a fierce debate on social media, with fans and analysts weighing in on the controversial move.
Many are questioning Ward’s commitment to his team and his decision to leave the game early, especially after such a strong performance in the first half. Some fans are accusing Ward of putting his individual success above the team’s goals, while others are defending his right to prioritize his own health and future.
Regardless of where fans stand on the issue, one thing is clear: Ward’s decision has sparked a passionate discussion about the balance between individual achievement and team loyalty in college sports. Only time will tell how this controversy will affect Ward’s legacy and future in the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
Miami football, Cam Ward, bowl game, TD record, social media, debate, college football, Miami Hurricanes, player opt out, sports news
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Miami Dolphins will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
A hip injury is keeping Tagovailoa out of Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns (3-12). The Dolphins (7-8) have to win to stay alive in the AFC wild-card race. And even if they do beat the Browns, they’ll need some outside help.
Miami will conclude the regular season next weekend at the New York Jets.
Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful on Saturday after being limited in practice all week by the hip, which he injured on Dec. 15 against Houston. It’s the latest medical setback for Tagovailoa, who was sidelined earlier this season with a concussion.
Tyler Huntley will start for Miami and face the Browns, who signed him as a free agent in March and released him at the end of training camp. This will be Huntley’s fourth start this season.
The Dolphins will also be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle because of a knee injury. He has 54 catches for 700 yards and two touchdowns.
The Dolphins scooped up the 26-year-old Huntley after Tagovailoa suffered the third documented concussion of his pro career in September. Huntley spent four seasons as Lamar Jackson’s backup in Baltimore.
Huntley is 4-8 as a starter. He’s completed 63.7% of his passes with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will not be suiting up for the team’s upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns. Tagovailoa is dealing with a rib injury that will keep him sidelined for this crucial matchup.
This news comes as a blow to the Dolphins, who were hoping to have their starting quarterback back in action after missing the previous game. With Tagovailoa out, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett will be stepping in to lead the offense.
It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins adjust to Tagovailoa’s absence and if Brissett can step up and deliver a strong performance against a tough Browns defense. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how this game unfolds without their star quarterback on the field.
Tags:
Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins quarterback, NFL, Miami Dolphins news, Miami Dolphins updates, Miami Dolphins game, Cleveland Browns, Tua Tagovailoa injury, Tua Tagovailoa out, NFL injury updates.
Cam Ward set the Division I record for career passing TDs in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Saturday. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
Cam Ward now has the most passing TDs of any quarterback at the top two levels of college football.
Ward’s TD pass to Jacolby George in the first quarter of Saturday’s Pop-Tarts Bowl was the 156th TD of his career. He entered the game tied with former Houston QB Case Keenum for the most touchdowns of any player in Division I history.
Not long after finding George in the end zone, Ward got TD No. 157 with a 22-yard TD pass to Joshisa Trader early in the second quarter.
Keenum played in four-plus seasons for the Cougars and threw his TDs across 57 games from 2007 through 2011. He led college football with 44 TD passes in 2009 and then threw 48 TD passes in 2011.
Ward’s pass to George was his 37th TD of the season. He has the most passing TDs of any player in college football this season and the only player with a realistic shot at passing him by the end of the season is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Sanders enters the Alamo Bowl on Saturday night with 35 passing TDs.
This was Ward’s only season at Miami as he heads to the NFL in 2025. Ward flirted with going to the NFL after the 2024 season, but decided to transfer to Miami for his final season of eligibility instead of going pro.
That turned into the right decision. Ward was a Heisman Trophy finalist this season and boosted his NFL Draft stock. He’s likely to be a top-10 pick in this spring’s draft because of his performance in 2024.
Before coming to Miami, Ward spent two seasons at Washington State and was at Incarnate Word for two seasons. At Washington State, Ward threw for 48 touchdown passes across 25 games with nearly 7,000 yards. He threw for 47 TDs in 2021 at Incarnate Word and had 4,648 passing yards while averaging 4.9 yards an attempt.
Miami’s Cam Ward made history in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, setting the Division I career passing touchdown record with a stellar performance. Ward’s record-breaking touchdown pass came in the second quarter of the game, solidifying his place in college football history.
Ward’s accomplishment is a testament to his talent and hard work throughout his collegiate career. The Miami quarterback has been a standout player for the team, consistently leading them to victory with his impressive passing skills.
Fans and analysts alike have been singing Ward’s praises, recognizing him as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His record-breaking performance in the Pop-Tarts Bowl only solidifies his place as a true standout on the field.
Congratulations to Cam Ward on this incredible achievement! Here’s to many more touchdowns and victories in his future.
Tags:
Miami, Cam Ward, Division I, career passing TD record, Pop-Tarts Bowl, football, record-breaking performance
