Inter Miami suffered an injury blow as defender Ian Fray went down with ACL injury in their 2-1 win over Atlanta United in Major League soccer Playoffs opener.
Inter Miami set off on their quest to become MLS champions, hosting Atlanta United in the first leg of their MLS Round of 16 playoffs.
Luis Suarez got the hosts off to a dream start, finishing Diego Gomez’s pass expertly inside the box, in the second minute. Atlanta grew into the game as the match wore on and got back on level terms in the 39th minute.
Saba Lobzhanidze finished a beautifully crafted through pass from Pedro Amador. Inter Miami largely dominated the game from there on, and deservingly got back in front in the 60th minute. Thanks to a great goal by Jordi Alba, who finished brilliantly from 25 yards after being teed up by Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami saw out the game and held the advantage ahead of the second leg. Meanwhile, Gerardo Martino won’t have many complaints about his side’s performances. His only source of worry will be the injury suffered by 22-year-old Ian Fray.
The defender was brought in the 74th minute as the Inter Miami boss tried to see out the game. 15 minutes after coming on, he was helped off the field with an apparent ACL injury.
This will mark the third ACL injury suffered in the last three seasons by the youngster – an extremely worrying injury incident for Inter Miami’s medical team.
Fray is expected to undergo tests to determine the full extent of his injury and start his recuperation process as soon as possible.
Who is Ian Fray?
Ian Charles Micheal Fray, born 31 August 2002, is a professional footballer who plays for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami as a defender.
The footballer is an American and was born in Coconut Creek, Florida, United States. He has Jamaican roots and has chosen the Jamaican national team over the United States.
Ian Fray career
The defender made his debut with American side Fort Lauderdale F.C, aged 17, coming off the bench in a 2-0 loss against Greenville Triumph.
He joined Inter Miami on 26 January 2021. He was named in the Jamaica 50-man provisional squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup in affirmation of his allegiance to the Jamaican national team over the United States. He has made a total of 24 career appearances and scored one goal.
Ian Fray’s injury history
The young defender has suffered an injury-ridden career so far. The 22-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament injury, shortly after signing with Inter Miami. The injury kept him out for 804 days and he missed 84 games during that period.
He didn’t get to spend much time on the pitch following his return either, with the same injury affecting the defender again during the 2023/24 season. The second injury kept him out for 302 days, making him miss 40 games in that period.
He seems to have suffered from the same injury and it will be the third time he will be ruled out of the rest of the campaign in three consecutive seasons.
Ian Fray Contract and Salary
Fray’s contract with Inter Miami ends on 31 December 2024, having signed an extension back in 2023. The defender earns a $125,000 yearly salary with the club.
