Inter Miami CF (9W-5D-11L, 32 points) fell to Nashville SC 1-5 at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday night.
Lineup Notes
Inter Miami made four changes to the starting lineup from its last match; Kelvin Leerdam and Jay Chapman returned to the starting XI following one match out of it, replacing the suspended duo of Nicolás Figal and Leandro González Pirez - the move also pushed Gregore into the backline as a center back. Kieran Gibbs, meanwhile, returned to the lineup as he recovered from an injury, replacing Brek Shea. Lastly, Julián Carranza made his first start since early July, slotting into the XI in place of Robbie Robinson.
Match Action
It was the visitors who got off to the quicker start at DRV PNK Stadium; in the sixth minute, Alistair Johnson whipped a cross from the right side of the box to the far post, where Hany Mukhtar met the pass and curled it in for the goal and the early 0-1 lead.
Nashville doubled its lead in the 39th minute; Aníbal Godoy sent a cross in from the left side of the box and Walker Zimmerman rose up in front of goal to head it in the back of the net for a 0-2 lead.
Inter Miami responded with pressure of its own, maintaining longer spells of possession, probing the defense with passes. In the 42nd minute, the hosts hit the woodwork; Rodolfo Pizarro delivered a chipped pass behind the defense that found Gonzalo Higuaín in the box, who deftly controlled in tight space and released a left-footed shot that beat the keeper, but bounced off the far post. The team continued to probe for the remainder of the half, but was unable to find a goal before the halftime whistle, sending the match into the break 0-2 in favor of Nashville.
Nashville, however, also opened the second half on the front foot, adding to its lead within three minutes when Mukhtar found the back of the net for his second of the night and Nashville’s third.
In the 64th minute, Inter Miami responded with a goal of its own; a clinical passing combination between Pizarro and Higuaín at the top of the box saw the Mexican play Higuaín into a dangerous area, where he fired a powerful low shot off the post and in to cut into the deficit, making it 1-3. The goal was Higuaín’s 10th of the season and the assist was Pizarro’s third.
Nashville quickly responded with another goal, however, making it 1-4 in the 70th minute; Randall Leal took on the defense, driving into the box and firing a precise shot from a difficult angle, finding the inside of the far post for a goal.
In the 86th minute, the referee whistled for a second yellow on Gregore following a corner, sending the Brazilian off. Nashville capitalized on the man advantage, scoring deep into stoppage time as Jhonder Cádiz assisted Johnston for the team’s fifth and final goal.
Post-Match Reaction
“We can’t hide behind the fact that it was five goals, five mistakes, individual errors,” said head coach Phil Neville. “We have to regroup because the season is on the line, where it could go so good or it could go so bad…We thought that we closed the back in terms of inconsistency, but we reverted. We’ve got to regroup to actually want to do the things in football to make us successful. All of the teams will want to make it into the playoffs.”
Celebra tu Patria - Hispanic Heritage Night Presented by Espolòn
Inter Miami hosted “Celebra Tu Patria” - Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Espolòn on Wednesday.
Fans were encouraged to showcase their heritage by bringing their country’s flag to the match and raising it high and proud to show their support for the team. There were also custom, limited edition Hispanic Heritage patches for sale at all DRV PNK Stadium team store locations during the match.
Fans over 21 years of age were able to enjoy Espolòn frozen margaritas and palomas at select concession stands and premium areas around DRV PNK Stadium. Guests visiting the North West Club were able to visit the premium Espolòn bar located on the first floor turf patio. Additionally, a variety of food trucks serving Hispanic food were available in the stadium.
Espolòn was also present in the Fan Zone presented by Baptist Health. Fans were able to enjoy samples, giveaways and a live DJ in the South end before entering DRV PNK Stadium.
Next Match
Inter Miami will return to action next week, when it travels to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Atlanta United FC on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. ET.
