Inter Miami launch classy secondary jersey for 2021 MLS season
Inter Miami have launched their new black secondary jersey ahead of the 2021 MLS season, which stands to be a hugely important year for the club after its MLS debut in 2020.
The new shirt has been named ‘La Palma’ and incorporates subtle palm pattern into the design, the type of leaves seen on trees all over south Florida.
The black is complemented by pink accents in the trademark adidas shoulder stripes and the detailing in the Inter Miami badge, which features the club’s white heron logo.
The blue on the inside of the collar and on the inside of the trim at the bottom of the jersey is intended as a nod to the waters of the nearby Biscayne Bay.
As was the case during Inter’s inaugural season, the shirt features no front sponsorship.
La Palma, embodies our club and fans’ deepest aspirations, taking shape. When you wear it, it is a signal of allegiance, unification and the deepest bond between you and us! ?#InterMiamiCF | #LaPalmaIMCF
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) February 27, 2021
Inter have undergone some significant changes since 2020. David Beckham’s former Manchester United teammate Phil Neville has been hired as new head coach following his spell in charge of the England women national team, while a number of players have left and former Stoke and England defender Ryan Shawcross has arrived.
2021 will also represent a first full season at the club for ex-Juventus players Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuain, as well as the latter’s brother and MLS veteran Federico.
Inter’s dedicated fans, which are unlike any other set of supporters in MLS, will expect to see improvement this coming season. The team finished 10th in the Eastern Conference, only making the preliminary round of the playoffs because of the temporary post-season expansion, and finishing in the bottom half of the overall standings by averaging barely more than a point per game.
Playoffs has to be the minimum expectation for any ambitious club. With Beckham a two-time MLS Cup winner himself, he doesn’t want to be in the league just to make up the numbers.
It doesn’t have to be a slow process either because it is possible for new clubs to do well very quickly. Atlanta United, MLS Cup winners in only their second season in 2018, and LA FC, Supporters’ Shield winners in their second season in 2019, have proved it is doable.
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!