Nashville SC Keep Playoff Dreams Alive with 2–1 Win Over Inter Miami — Game 3 Awaits

Nashville SC kept their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Inter Miami CF on Saturday night at GEODIS Park.
Goals from Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer powered the Coyotes to redemption after falling 3–1 in Game 1, setting up a winner-takes-all Game 3 on November 8 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Despite a late strike from Lionel Messi, Nashville’s resilience and defensive discipline secured the win and kept their postseason alive.

Surridge and Bauer Lead the Charge

After a disappointing opening match, head coach B.J. Callaghan demanded a reaction — and his team delivered from the opening whistle.
Surridge, the English striker, broke the deadlock with a clinical finish midway through the first half, capitalizing on a well-worked team move that exposed Miami’s high defensive line.

Just minutes later, Josh Bauer doubled the advantage, rising highest on a corner to head past Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender and send the home fans into celebration.

The two-goal cushion proved vital as Nashville controlled the tempo, pressing high and forcing mistakes from the Herons’ back line.

Messi’s Late Effort Not Enough for Inter Miami

Miami struggled to find rhythm for much of the night, with Nashville’s compact shape and physical presence frustrating Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in the final third.

Messi eventually pulled one back in the closing stages with a trademark strike from the edge of the box — his second goal of the series — but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
Nashville’s defensive structure held firm under late pressure, sealing a statement win in front of a passionate home crowd.

Callaghan Praises Team Mentality

Following the victory, head coach B.J. Callaghan lauded his team’s determination and collective effort.

“Our group was committed to responding and playing our way here at home,” Callaghan said post-match.
“We did that from the opening whistle. Now, it’s about taking that same mentality with us — no matter if we’re home or away — in another game where it’s win or go home.”

What’s Next: Winner Advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals

The series now shifts to Game 3 on November 8, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Both clubs will have just a few days to prepare for the decisive clash at Chase Stadium, where Messi and Miami will look to bounce back in front of their fans — while Nashville chase their first-ever playoff series win in club history.