Nashville SC came out on top in the battle between the two 2020 MLS expansion teams, defeating Inter Miami CF 1-0 at Nissan Stadium on Sunday courtesy of a superb goal from Anibal Godoy.
In their first home game since a memorable season opener in front of over 59,000 fans six months ago, Nashville edged a tight encounter over their fellow newcomers to gain their second win of the campaign. While clear-cut chances were few and far between, Nashville secured the three points thanks to an unstoppable strike from Godoy as the ball broke to him just outside the penalty area eight minutes into the second half.
The victory could have been made more straightforward for the hosts but Hany Mukhtar failed to convert a 73rd-minute penalty when his powerful shot bounced back off the crossbar. And in the final 10 minutes, Nashville were forced to withstand concerted pressure from a Miami team that made all five substitutes in one fell swoop with 16 minutes remaining.
Earlier, the first half had been dominated by two close calls from the referee. The first came after 17 minutes when Alex Muyl thought he had marked his first start for Nashville with a goal. The former New York Red Bulls winger got in between two Miami defenders at the back post to head in a deflected cross but after watching several replays on the pitchside monitor, referee Rosendo Mendoza decided that Muyl had gained an illegal advantage from a push in the back of Miami defender Andres Reyes.
Miami's moment to be frustrated with the officials followed later in the half. Matias Pellegrini looked to have a clear sight of goal as the ball broke to him toward the center of the penalty area before Walker Zimmerman threw himself in front of the ball to block the shot. Miami's players protested vehemently for a handball but, though he ball appeared to strike the Nashville defender's arm, it was not deemed sufficient for a penalty.
Goals
- 53' – NSH – Anibal Godoy | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: After back-to-back defeats on the road, Nashville will be delighted to get the three points on their return home. They now have seven points from five games since resuming regular-season action after having to be withdrawn from the MLS is Back Tournament. And, while they haven't gotten many plaudits for their style — something the team appeared to hint at with their riding the bus celebration for Godoy's goal — Gary Smith's team are showing they will not be pushovers for any team.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: It has to be Godoy's strike early in the second half. The midfielder's technique was exemplary to beat Luis Robles in the Miami goal with his side foot from 20 yards. And, after having one goal chalked off in the first half, Nashville will feel that justice was done when this time a VAR check took place but the referee decided there was no foul in the buildup
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Godoy's goal would likely have been sufficient to see him grab the man of the match honor but the Panamanian was excellent throughout his 61 minutes on the pitch, helping Nashville gain an element of control in the center of the pitch.
Next Up
- NSH: Wednesday, Sept. 2 vs. Orlando City (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN + in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- MIA: Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Atlanta United (7 pm ET | FS1)
