Not so fast, says head coach Javier Mascherano.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to understand that Nashville have given us a lot of difficulties,\u201d Mascherano told reporters on the eve of the Herons\u2019 visit to GEODIS Park that could clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. \u201cWe\u2019ve resolved them well, but they\u2019ll likely make things difficult for us again tomorrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we have to be prepared for that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Cautiously optimistic<\/p>\n
Miami are in the driver\u2019s seat following a 3-1 win<\/a> in Game 1 behind a Lionel Messi<\/a> brace and an additional goal from Tadeo Allende<\/a>. This result built on a 5-2 Decision Day demolition<\/a> of the Coyotes that extended the club\u2019s recent dominance of the Music City side.<\/p>\n Since Messi\u2019s mid-2023 arrival in South Florida, the Herons have gone undefeated against Nashville, posting a 7W-0L-2D record in nine games across all competitions. The legendary Argentine No. 10 has been particularly impressive over this period, scoring 12 goals in eight matches against the Coyotes.<\/p>\n And yet, Mascherano believes that these outcomes \u2013 particularly on Decision Day \u2013 could\u2019ve been far different had Nashville \u201ccashed in\u201d on their opportunities.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know we have to improve,\u201d Mascherano warned, \u201cbecause there will come a day when they cash in on them.\u201d<\/p>\n Allende is equally cautious, given Nashville\u2019s impressive roster that includes \u201cgame-changing players\u201d such as 2022 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar<\/a> and striker Sam Surridge<\/a>, who finished third behind Messi in the Golden Boot presented by Audi<\/a> standings.<\/p>\n \u201cConfidence is key for a team,\u201d said the on-loan winger from Celta de Vigo. \u201cBut you can\u2019t underestimate your opponent because anything can happen.\u201d<\/p>\n \n No more upsets<\/p>\n Miami in particular know that anything can happen in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n