CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP BEGINS WITH A BATTLE

INTER MIAMI

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Luis Suarez equalized in stoppage time to earn Inter Miami the draw at 2-2 Thursday night to open their run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. 

The score 2-1 with 2’ remaining in second half stoppage, the Barca connection struck as Suarez headed in a cross from Sergio Busquets to move on to the second leg tied in the aggregate. 

The pace was slow, with sloppy passes marking early play in this rematch of the 2023 Leagues Cup Final. Both sides played tight to the others’ players on both sides of the ball, with Nashville finding early opportunities in both halves. 

Nashville earned an early lead off a Jacob Shaffelburg goal in the 4’ over the head of keeper Drake Callender. He scored again in the first minute of the second half, but Messi answered back with a 52’ shot to the back of the net. 

Miami controlled for most of the game, but numerous turnovers kept them back. Juxtaposed with this was Nashville’s calculated offensive, finding net in all of their shots on target. 

Nashville scored on an attempt just minutes into second half stoppage, but VAR found it offsides. 

While Miami’s turnovers may be worrisome, they found the right opportunities around the defense at the right time, with the legendary shot-takers of Messi and Suarez more than up for finishing crosses that find them. 

The supporting cast may need to fill in a bit more when the main men themselves are covered. Defensively, though, will they be able to keep Nashville away when play comes back to Chase Stadium? 

Inter Miami resumes regular season play Saturday versus CF Montreal. Leg 2 of this round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup will be played Wednesday.