Match Recap: Inter Miami CF capitalize on Nashville SC mistakes, win 2-1
Fifth straight Messi brace lifts Herons, ends Coyotes' 15-game unbeaten run
On a muggy Saturday evening in South Florida, Inter Miami CF fought to a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC, perhaps MLS’ hottest team coming into the fixture.
Scoring was opened in the 17th minute by a picture perfect free kick from Lionel Messi expertly placed into the bottom left corner. The Herons would hold this lead into the halftime interval, but not much longer.
Nashville came out of the locker room with a purpose, as an early cross from Andy Najar connected with the head of Hany Mukhtar in the 49th minute to level the scores.
However, it would be Messi again having a say after intercepting a clearance from Nashville keeper Joe Willis, finding a bit of space, and finishing, yet again, expertly in the 62nd minute.
That would be the game’s final goal, as Miami were able to dictate the pace of play very well after, and refused to allow Nashville too much space to operate.
The win doesn’t have an effect on the Herons’ position in the table, as they continue to sit in fifth, but the crucial six-pointer draws them within five points of Supporters Shield leading Philadelphia, with three games still in hand.
The loss for Nashville drops them back to third in the East, though Columbus’ win over Cincinnati ensures Nashville remain just two points off the current Conference and Shield lead.
Inter Miami Lineup
No surprises here. Javier Mascherano made three changes to Wednesday’s starting 11 against New England, but they weren’t unexpected, with the possible exception of David Martinez in for Toto Aviles. Considering Aviles’ propensity for reckless fouls and Nashville’s knack for drawing penalties, Mascherano opted for the more disciplined Martinez.
Telasco Segovia reclaimed his starting role on the left wing, and Benja Cremaschi replaced Federico Redondo beside Busquets.
Oscar Ustari finished Wednesday’s match in New England suffering some pain in his shoulder, but he appeared to be fine last night.
Baltazar Rodriguez, who started in Segovia’s spot against the Revolution, relieved the Venezuelan midfielder and Redondo replaced Allende in the 63rd minute after Mukhtar’s goal.
Aviles came on for Suarez in the 82nd minute and seldom-used center back Ryan Sailor played out the last minute of stoppage time for Weigandt, who left with what appeared to be muscle discomfort in the groin area.
Nashville SC Lineup
Joe Willis started in goal behind an unchanged backline featuring Dan Lovitz, Jack Maher, Jeisson Palacios, and Andy Najar. The midfield duo of Patrick Yazbek and Eddi Tagseth also remained unchanged from last weekend’s victory over Philadelphia.
The front four did receive changes however, as head coach BJ Callaghan opted to swap out both wingers in the wake of Jonathan Pérez’s absence due to suspension. This time, it was Ahmed Qasem and Jacob Shaffelburg offering support to Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge.
Off the bench, calls were made to Gastón Brugman, Alex Muyl, Julian Gaines, Matthew Corcoran, and Walker Zimmerman. Interestingly, the addition of Gaines was used to push Najar into more of a right wing position as both Shaffelburg and Qasem exited the field.
The Numbers
Inter Miami CF
Shots: 9
Shots on goal: 5
Corners: 0
Possession: 54.1%
xG: 1.7
Yellow Cards: 2 (Telasco Segovia, Marcelo Weigandt)
Nashville SC
Shots: 9
Shots on goal: 2
Corners: 4
Possession: 45.9%
xG: 1.4
Yellow Cards: 2 (Patrick Yazbek, Jack Maher)
Analysis
Ken Garner: It feels like Inter Miami got away with this one. The Herons’ attack failed to create a goal. Messi delivered the kind of golazo free kick we’re beginning to take for granted and — for the second straight week — converted after intercepting the ball in the opponent’s box.
The defense did a great job of limiting chances for the Coyotes’ prolific duo of Sam Surridge and Mukhtar, picking up runners, and maintaining its poise under pressure. Martinez, Falcon and Weigandt were solid. Busquets and Segovia did a great job controlling possession and the game’s pace.
We can’t discuss Inter Miami without mentioning Messi’s minutes. The iconic midfielder, who turned 38 in June, played every minute of the match, as did Alba (36) and Busquets (36). Suarez (38) played more than 80 minutes.
Mascherano has said staff are looking for the right time to rest its veteran stars, but I expect Messi & Friends to continue to play big minutes while the Herons chase the leagues’ frontrunners.
Los Garzas play another of those forerunners, FC Cincinnati, twice in 10 days. The Orange & Blue, in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-6-3 for 42 points, will host the Herons on Wednesday and visit Chase Stadium on July 26. Miami will play the New York Red Bulls Saturday at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
And Leagues Cup kicks off at the end of the month. It’s a busy schedule, but it should be fun. Hope you’ll join us for the ride!
Ronan Briscoe: Both of Miami’s, and well, Messi’s goals were down to Nashville mistakes. Eddi Tagseth gave away a cheap foul in a very dangerous position, and Messi did as Messi does on the free kick.
I think Luis Suarez is very lucky to not have gotten that goal ruled out for offside, and if the ball were even remotely savable by Joe Willis I think Suarez’s screen from an offside position just may have seen it done.
But, the free kick was inch perfect, as we’ve come to expect from the little Argentine wonder.
Next, Joe Willis had probably the single worst mistake on the ball of his career trying to pass to Jeisson Palacios, instead giving the ball away to, guess who, Lionel Messi. Just inexcusable, and it’s even moreso because Nashville had grabbed the equalizer and were beginning to assert themselves.
That mistake sucked the life out of the Coyotes. It just can’t happen against a team this good, and if it does, it absolutely, positively, cannot happen in a way that gives the ball directly to the short guy wearing #10.
That being said, being essentially a brain fart away from a big, big road point should still be encouraging to Nashville fans, as the schedule continues to be tough after this. For the Coyotes, they have back-to-back home games on tap as Columbus visits on Wednesday, and Toronto does the same on Saturday.
That match against Columbus is another vital six-pointer for Nashville, who drew the Crew 2-2 at Lower.com Field on May 28th.
If you’re here as a Nashville supporter, I’ll see you then!