Nashville SC draws Inter Miami: Following underwhelming performances against MLS teams at the start of the season, Nashville SC discovered a successful strategy just in time for its most significant match thus far.
However, Inter Miami’s high-profile team changed the narrative.
Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, both ex-Barcelona talents, combined in a crucial moment, with Suarez netting a header during stoppage time.
This dramatic action resulted in a 2-2 tie in the first match of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 encounter against Nashville.
Nashville, buoyed by the return of their star player, Hany Mukhtar, who had been sidelined for three games with a hamstring injury, initially took a commanding 2-0 lead thanks to two stunning goals from Jacob Shaffelburg.
However, Lionel Messi revived Inter Miami’s hopes with a goal in the 52nd minute.
Nashville’s coach, Gary Smith, reflected on the match, noting, “We had four or five significant opportunities tonight and converted two. Usually, that would be considered satisfactory. Against this team, it proved insufficient.”
Canadian Winger Shaffelburg Shines with Clinical Finishing
Known for his blistering speed, Jacob Shaffelburg has addressed concerns about finishing with a solid start to the season.
After a tight-angle effort ruled offside and a deflected long-range goal, Shaffelburg bagged a brace against Inter Miami, showcasing his improved finishing touch.
In the early moments of the game on Thursday, Shaq Moore intercepted a stray ball and delivered it just outside the penalty area to Shaffelburg.
Confronted by a duo of defenders, Shaffelburg controlled the ball seamlessly and launched a powerful shot that soared past a stationary Drake Callender.
Shaffelburg’s second goal was equally impressive. Advancing from the left, he unleashed a precise shot with his less dominant right foot into the top right corner, securing a 2-0 advantage for Nashville shortly after the break.
Smith praised his performance: “We witnessed his exceptional talent today. He had the room to maneuver and the chance to challenge defenders. His contribution wasn’t just in scoring two goals, but remarkably, he achieved them.”
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Messi Makes Amends for Early Misses with Second-Half Screamer
Lionel Messi silenced early doubts about his finishing touch with a trademark wonder goal in the second half. Despite missing two clear opportunities in the first 45 minutes, Messi delivered a moment of magic in the 52nd minute.
His left-footed curler from distance left Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis with no chance, showcasing his enduring brilliance.
Late Drama Eclipsed by Referee Decisions
Inter Miami held on for a dramatic draw despite a late disallowed goal for Nashville. Moore’s close-range strike in the 83rd minute was controversially ruled offside by VAR, leaving Nashville coach Smith fuming about the “real clear and obvious error” standard.
Smith also questioned a first-half penalty shout and other non-calls.
The drama extended into stoppage time with Luis Suarez’s equalizer for Inter Miami. While the goal itself was important, it became even more crucial as an away goal in the tiebreaker format of the CCC series.
The return fixture is set for Wednesday, March 13, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Nashville can progress to the quarterfinals with a victory, but a defeat will knock them out. A 3-3 or higher draw will also see them through, but they won’t advance with a 0-0 or 1-1 draw.
Should the scoreline be 2-2 at the end of regulation time on Wednesday, the game will extend to an additional 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if the deadlock remains.
In April, the victorious team will face FC Cincinnati or Monterrey in the quarterfinals. In their first leg of the round-of-16 series, Monterrey secured a narrow 1-0 win over Cincinnati.