Will Inter Miami fail again at the first playoff hurdle? The 1-2 defeat at the hands of supposed favorite Nashville brings back memories of last year. Lionel Messi stepped into the spotlight too late.
Lionel Messi must fear getting stuck in the first playoff round again. After a convincing 3-1 opening victory against Nashville SC, Inter Miami conceded the equalizer in the second game of the best-of-three series and now faces a “final” at home in Fort Lauderdale after a 2-1 defeat. Last year, Inter also won the first game against Atlanta United as the clear favorite, only to suddenly find themselves in the winter break two games later.
In the wet and cold GEODIS Park, Nashville already led 2-0 at halftime. Top scorer Sam Surridge, who had been quiet in Florida, first converted a penalty he had won himself (9th minute), before defender Josh Bauer struck from a corner taken by Hany Mukhtar (45th minute).
The visitors, who saw Luis Suarez hit the post, dominated possession but were less effective in front of goal than usual. It was not until the 89th minute that Messi, who had shone with a brace in the opening game, finally beat goalkeeper Joe Willis.
From the right corner of the penalty area, he curled the ball powerfully into the top right corner with his left foot – a work of art that came too late this time. Nashville, who had not won any of their previous ten competitive games against Inter and had conceded five goals from Messi in the two previous encounters alone, survived the final minutes and now have new hope against their nemesis. In the semifinals, which will be decided in a single match, Miami or Nashville will face Columbus Crew or FC Cincinnati (playoff score: 0-1).
Wagner & Co. make short work of NYCFC, who celebrate despite goalless draw
Philadelphia Union are already waiting in the next round. The team led by left-back Kai Wagner, who finished the regular season as the MLS team with the most points and the Supporters’ Shield, won 3-0 at wildcard starters Chicago Fire. Tai Baribo scored twice early on (8th/16th) – once from a Wagner assist – before Bruno Damiani sealed the deal before the break (35th). In the first match, Chicago had come back from a late 0-2 deficit only to lose on penalties.
Philadelphia’s next opponent has not yet been determined. New York City FC, which lost Game 1 to Charlotte FC 0-1, remained scoreless in the second game as well, but managed to tie the series 7-6 in a penalty shootout and will have home-field advantage in the showdown to advance.
