Inter Miami’s MLS Cup Playoff Hopes Hinge on Decisive Game Three After Nashville SC Victory

Inter Miami’s quest for the MLS Cup has been pushed to the brink after a 2-1 defeat to Nashville SC in the second leg of their playoff quarter-final series. The loss, which occurred on Saturday, November 1st, has levelled the best-of-three series at one win apiece, setting up a dramatic winner-takes-all encounter.

Key Takeaways

• Inter Miami lost the second match of their playoff quarter-final series against Nashville SC with a score of 2-1.
• The series is now tied 1-1, forcing a decisive third game to be played on November 8th.
• Lionel Messi scored a late consolation goal for Inter Miami in the second match.
• The format dictates that the winner of the third match advances, with penalty shootouts deciding the outcome if the score is level after 90 minutes.

Series Tied After Tense Encounter

Nashville SC secured a crucial victory on home soil, with first-half goals from Sam Surridge (penalty) and Josh Bauer putting them in a commanding 2-0 lead. Despite a late surge and a consolation goal from Lionel Messi in the 89th minute, Inter Miami could not find an equalizer, succumbing to the pressure.

This result mirrors a similar situation for Inter Miami last season, where they also lost the second game of their opening playoff round after winning the first, ultimately leading to their elimination. The team, managed by Javier Mascherano, will be keen to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

The Decisive Third Match

The fate of Inter Miami’s MLS Cup aspirations now rests on the third and final match of the series, scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, at Chase Stadium. In this format, previous results are disregarded, and only the outcome of this single game will determine who progresses to the conference semifinals. Should the match be tied at the end of regulation time, a penalty shootout will be employed to decide the winner.

Nashville SC’s victory marks their first win against Inter Miami since May 2023, ending a ten-match winless streak against the Florida-based club. The intensity of the playoff atmosphere was palpable, with both teams battling in challenging conditions, including rain in Tennessee.