Inter Miami CF II: The Rise of the Herons' Reserve Side
Inter Miami CF II is a professional American soccer club based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Serving as the official reserve team for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami CF, the club competes in MLS Next Pro, which represents the third tier of the American soccer pyramid. Designed to bridge the gap between youth academies and the first team, Inter Miami CF II provides a competitive environment for developing talent.
Since its inception, the club has evolved both in name and league affiliation, reflecting the broader growth of the Inter Miami organization and the professionalization of player development in the United States.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: October 9, 2019 (originally as Fort Lauderdale CF).
- League: MLS Next Pro (Third-tier).
- Home Ground: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Stadium Capacity: 21,000.
- Head Coach: Cristian Ledesma.
- Owner: Inter Miami CF.
Club History and Evolution
The journey of Inter Miami CF II began on October 9, 2019, when the parent club announced the creation of a reserve side to compete in USL League One. On February 1, 2020, the team was officially named Fort Lauderdale CF.
The club's trajectory shifted on December 6, 2021, with the announcement that they would join the inaugural season of MLS Next Pro, a league specifically designed for MLS reserve teams. Along with this transition in 2022, the club rebranded to its current name, Inter Miami CF II, to better align with the primary franchise's identity.
Stadium and Facilities
The club plays its home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This facility was constructed on the site of the former Lockhart Stadium and serves as a multi-purpose hub for the organization. With a capacity of 21,000, the stadium acts as the headquarters and training ground for the first team, the youth academy, and Inter Miami CF II.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบTechnical Staff and Management
The team is led by Head Coach Cristian Ledesma. The technical staff is rounded out by a specialized team focused on player growth and performance, including Diter Alquiza as Goalkeeper Coach and former star striker Gonzalo Higuaín serving as the Player Development Coach. Lucas Scaglia provides critical data insights as the Performance Analyst.
Performance and Statistics
Inter Miami CF II has seen varying degrees of success across its tenure in both USL League One and MLS Next Pro. A notable highlight occurred in the 2024 season, where the team finished 3rd in the Eastern Conference and reached the first round of the playoffs.
| Season | League | Conference/Pos | Top Scorer | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | USL League One | 10th | Ricky Lopez-Espin | 7 |
| 2021 | USL League One | 10th | Shaan Hundal | 11 |
| 2022 | MLS Next Pro | 6th (East) | Shanyder Borgelin | 14 |
| 2023 | MLS Next Pro | 13th (East) | Lawson Sunderland | 5 |
| 2024 | MLS Next Pro | 3rd (East) | Ryan Carmichael | 9 |
| 2025 | MLS Next Pro | 14th (East) | Mateo Saja | 12 |
All-Time Individual Records
- Most Goals: Shaan Hundal (16 goals).
- Most Assists: Nykolas Sessock (11 assists).
- Most Appearances: Tyler Hall (71 appearances).
- Most Minutes Played: Tyler Hall (5,975 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Inter Miami CF and Inter Miami CF II?
Inter Miami CF II is the professional reserve team of Inter Miami CF. It serves as a developmental squad where young players and academy graduates can gain professional experience before potentially moving up to the first team.
Where does Inter Miami CF II play its home games?
The team plays at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which also serves as the training facility for the club's youth academy and first team.
What league does Inter Miami CF II compete in?
The club currently competes in MLS Next Pro, the third-tier professional soccer league in the United States.
Was the club always called Inter Miami CF II?
No. The club was founded on October 9, 2019, and officially announced as Fort Lauderdale CF on February 1, 2020. It was renamed Inter Miami CF II in 2022 upon joining MLS Next Pro.
Who is the current head coach of the team?
The team is currently managed by Head Coach Cristian Ledesma.