Nashville, Aug 16 (V7N)- Nashville SC strengthened their position at the top of the MLS standings with a convincing 4-1 victory over Inter Miami, opening a five-point gap over Lionel Messi's side in second place.
The two teams met at Nashville's home ground, Geodis Park, on Sunday (August 16).
Nashville coach BJ Callahan returned to a strong starting lineup after rotating his squad during the team's previous three Leagues Cup matches, and his decision paid off.
Nashville took the lead in the 17th minute when Andy Najar headed home a cross from Elias Sader.
Miami had a chance to level from the penalty spot, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake saved Lionel Messi's effort. Miami eventually equalised in first-half stoppage time through Telasco Segovia, who finished from a pass by Messi.
Nashville regained the lead just two minutes into the second half, with Hany Mukhtar finding the net.
Sam Surridge then extended the hosts' advantage with his 50th regular-season MLS goal, finishing from a low cross by Christian Espinoza.
Nashville added a fourth in the 63rd minute after Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made a costly error outside his penalty area. Mukhtar capitalised on the mistake to score his second goal of the match into an unguarded net.
Messi returned to Inter Miami's starting lineup for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine was unable to score, however, and his missed penalty proved particularly costly.
Messi had previously scored 16 goals in his 12 matches against Nashville, but Nashville's defence kept him quiet this time.
The victory marked Nashville's fifth consecutive home win, while the club remains unbeaten at Geodis Park this season.
For Inter Miami, the heavy defeat dealt another blow to their efforts to close the gap at the top of the MLS standings.
END/SMA/AJ
