Romeo Beckham makes debut for Inter Miami affiliate Fort Lauderdale CF
By Chris Smith
Romeo Beckham took his first step into the world of professional football, making his debut for Inter Miami's USL League One affiliate side Fort Lauderdale CF on Sunday.
Beckham played 79 minutes as Lauderdale twice threw away a one-goal lead to draw 2-2 with South Georgian side Tormenta FC, starting alongside Harvey Neville - son of Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville - who lasted the full 90 minutes.
Just like his father, 19-year-old Romeo lined up on the right wing, though he wore the No.11 shirt. The teenager had a quiet night, touching the ball 19 times and completing just six passes. Beckham also attempted six crosses and made three recoveries.
Neville, meanwhile, is much more established having made just shy of 30 appearances for various Manchester United youth teams prior to joining Fort Lauderdale. The 19-year-old was making his 16th USL appearance of the season and created one chance, made three tackles and completed four of his six attempted long passes, while also picking up a yellow card.
"Blessed to have made my pro debut tonight for Fort Lauderdale FC. Full focus onto the next match," Beckham wrote on Instagram after the match.
The draw leaves Lauderdale eighth in the USL League One table, just one point and two places adrift of the playoff spots, though they have played more games than those around them.
That's a similar situation to Inter Miami, who lost 4-0 to the New York Red Bulls recently following a six-game unbeaten run that has pulled them back into MLS Cup Playoff contention. Neville Snr's side are ninth, three points behind Philadelphia Union who occupy the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Lauderdale travel to Greenville Triumph on Friday night while Inter Miami host high-flying Nashville SC on Wednesday.