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Nashville SC outshot Inter Miami 15-8 and generated more expected goals in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 matchup, but couldn’t capitalize on their chances in a 0-0 draw. Despite the missed opportunities, Nashville SC remains confident heading into the second leg against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, believing they can elevate their game and advance to the quarterfinals.
Why it matters
This CONCACAF Champions Cup matchup between Nashville SC and Inter Miami features two of the top teams in the region, with Inter Miami led by global superstar Lionel Messi. Nashville SC’s ability to contain Messi and the Inter Miami attack in the first leg has them believing they can pull off the upset in the second leg and advance in the tournament.
The details
In the first leg, Nashville SC outshot Inter Miami 15-8, earned seven corners to Miami’s one, and forced goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair to make five saves, while Nashville’s Brian Schwake only needed to stop one shot. Nashville also generated 1.19 expected goals compared to Miami’s 0.32. Despite the statistical edge, Nashville couldn’t find the back of the net, leading to a 0-0 draw. Nashville coach B.J. Callaghan believes his team is well-prepared to face Messi and Miami, having frequently competed against the MLS Cup champions.
The first leg at Geodis Park on March 11 ended in a 0-0 tie.The second leg will take place at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 18 (6 p.m. CT, FS2).
The players
The global soccer superstar who joined Inter Miami in 2023.
B.J. Callaghan
The head coach of Nashville SC.
Dayne St. Clair
The goalkeeper for Inter Miami.
Brian Schwake
The goalkeeper for Nashville SC.
Alex Muyl
A midfielder for Nashville SC.
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What they’re saying
“They were the MLS Cup champion last year, and they’ve advanced far in this tournament, and getting to prepare against them frequently brings out the best in us. It makes us elevate our game. I think you’ve constantly seen that in the way we are able to adapt and change and compete, and I don’t think there’s gonna be anything different.”
— B.J. Callaghan, Nashville SC Head Coach (yahoo.com)
“We knew that we had some chances, and we would like to have won, but that’s how we feel about every single game. We want to win every single game. And I don’t think we’re kicking ourselves, because we’re in a great position to go out there and advance in this tournament. I don’t think we have any regrets. If anything, we’re just looking at the game with optimism on the fact that we were able to create some things.”
— Alex Muyl, Nashville SC Midfielder (yahoo.com)
What’s next
The winner of the second leg between Nashville SC and Inter Miami will advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The takeaway
Nashville SC’s strong performance in the first leg against the defending MLS Cup champions and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami has them feeling confident they can pull off the upset in the second leg and advance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament.