NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored in the final minute, but sixth-seeded Nashville defeated third-seeded Inter Miami 2-1 in Game 2 of the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs on Saturday night.
The two teams will play a decisive Game 3 in Fort Lauderdale on November 8th.
This is Nashville’s first playoff win since they defeated Orlando 2-1 at home in the first round of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. Saturday’s win was also Nashville’s first over Miami since May 17, 2023, with a 2-1 result.
Sam Surridge opened the scoring in the 9th minute, with Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo diving in the opposite direction of the shot and converting the penalty shot into the back of the net.
Nashville scored again before the first half, with Josh Bauer converting Hany Mukhtar’s corner kick to increase the lead to 2-0 in the 45th minute.
Inter Miami had an interesting late game, with Messi scoring his sixth goal in three games against Nashville in the 90th minute.
Miami had a 10-9 shot advantage, but Nashville had five shots on net to Miami’s three.
The winner of the three-game series will face either No. 2 Cincinnati or No. 7 Columbus Crew in the conference semifinals. Cincinnati leads the series 1-0.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
