"Lionel Messi's thunderous late goal wasn't enough as Nashville SC scored a 2-1 home win over Inter Miami on Saturday to force a decisive Game 3 of their first-round MLS playoff series. Messi had scored twice as Miami eased to a 3-1 win in Game 1 eight days ago but it was a different story for much of the 90 minutes in Nashville."
"Javier Mascherano's squad got off to the worst possible start Saturday at Geodis Park. Surridge ran onto a through ball over the defense and Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo charged out of his goal but only succeeded in bringing the Nashville striker to the ground. Surridge, who finished a distant second behind Messi in this season's Golden Boot race, successfully converted the opportunity from the penalty spot."
"Miami soon had chances to get back level but its leading attacking threats failed to convert. First Messi shot wide of the goal after a spill from Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis, then Suárez struck the post after rounding Willis and having a clear sight of goal, albeit from a narrow angle. Winger Tadeo Allende had a similarly golden opportunity but placed his shot wide from an Alba cross to the center of the box."
Nashville SC defeated Inter Miami 2-1 at Geodis Park, forcing a decisive Game 3 in the first-round MLS playoff series. Sam Surridge opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo brought him down. Josh Bauer added a goal shortly before halftime to extend Nashville's lead. Lionel Messi scored a late thunderous goal for Miami, but the comeback fell short. Miami missed several clear chances earlier, including efforts by Messi, Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende. The teams will meet next week in Fort Lauderdale with a place in the Eastern Conference semifinals on the line.
Read at ESPN
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