Nashville SC Seeks Redemption Against Inter Miami
Nashville SC is gearing up for redemption against Inter Miami CF as they enter the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. After suffering a 5-2 defeat on Decision Day, the team is eager to rewrite their fate when they face Miami in the Round One Best-of-3 Series. The match is scheduled for this Friday at 8 PM ET.
Nashville’s Motivation for Redemption
The atmosphere at Nashville’s training facility is charged with determination. Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 Landon Donovan MLS MVP, articulated the urgency, stating, “There is unfinished business.” The history between Nashville and Miami has been closely tied since both teams joined MLS in 2020, with Nashville previously winning a decisive playoff match 3-0 in their first meeting.
However, Miami has dominated their encounters recently. In 2023, they eliminated Nashville from both the US Open Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup, and they also claimed victory in the Leagues Cup final. Mukhtar added, “There’s a lot of bitter tastes for us, and it’s time to turn the pages.”
Challenges Against Lionel Messi
Nashville has faced significant challenges from Inter Miami, particularly dealing with Lionel Messi’s exceptional performances. The Argentine superstar has scored 10 goals in just seven matches against Nashville, contributing to Miami’s unbeaten record against them since his arrival. In their latest encounter, Nashville took an early lead but could not maintain their advantage.
- Recent match result: Nashville 2 – 5 Miami
- Messi’s performance: Hat trick against Nashville
- Nashville’s missed scoring opportunities: “We could have scored five or six!” – Hany Mukhtar
Defender Daniel Lovitz expressed disappointment with Nashville’s defensive strategy against Messi, acknowledging the need for improvement. “We know that we weren’t the best version of ourselves,” he stated.
Underestimating the Underdogs: Nashville’s Path Forward
Nashville enters this playoff series as the No. 6 seed, appearing as an underdog. However, they draw inspiration from Atlanta United’s shocking upset over Miami last season. Atlanta managed to eliminate Miami despite initial losses, and Nashville is determined to follow suit.
Head coach B.J. Callaghan emphasized the importance of viewing each game independently. “The playoffs are a different animal,” he reminded his players.
Upcoming Match and Season Aspirations
If the series extends to a third game, Nashville will have faced Miami in consecutive matches, a unique situation that Mukhtar feels could benefit them. “Everything tastes really fresh,” he noted. Following their historic US Open Cup victory in October, Nashville has their eyes set on winning the MLS Cup on December 6.
Despite the daunting task of facing Miami, Callaghan believes this matchup is crucial for Nashville. “I would like to presume that the pathway through the playoffs is going to have to go through Miami at some point,” he concluded, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run.
