Inter Miami became the second MLS club to seal its spot into the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals this week.
Tata Martino’s side brushed against Nashville SC 3-1 on Wednesday night, advancing 5-3 on aggregate at DRV PNK Stadium. Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi scored in the first half before Robert Taylor added an insurance goal after the hour mark.
Suarez broke the deadlock after eight minutes, finishing off a through ball pass from Messi into the bottom-right corner. It marked Suarez’s second goal of the competition and fourth tally across all competitions this season.
Messi would extend the Herons advantage to 2-0 in the 23rd minute after a calm left-footed strike of his own. Diego Gomez’s pass allowed Messi to drill a low drive into the bottom-right corner of Joe Willis’ net.
Despite Messi’s early substitution in the 50th minute mark, Inter Miami would keep its foot on the gas. Suarez’s cross was headed home by Robert Taylor in the 63rd minute for a third and final goal of the night for the Herons.
Sam Surridge’s late consolation goal did not mean much in the final scoreline as Nashville SC suffered elimination from the competition.
Messi’s status remains unknown for Inter Miami’s weekend trip to DC United as MLS play continues.
Nashville SC hosts Charlotte FC on Saturday, seeking its first league win of 2024.
** Club America and Herediano also advanced to the quarterfinal round after winning their respective series on Wednesday.
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/03/inter-miami-breezes-past-nashville-sc-to-reach-champions-cup-quarterfinals
Author : Larry Henry Jr
Publish date : 2024-03-14 11:01:00
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