Inter Miami CF’s road trip took a difficult turn Monday night as Nashville SC powered past the Herons 4-1 at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, in MLS regular-season action.
Telasco Segovia scored Miami’s lone goal, but Nashville’s attacking firepower and a crucial penalty save from goalkeeper Brian Schwake helped the hosts pull away in the second half.
Nashville opened the scoring in the 17th minute, putting Inter Miami behind early. The visitors had an opportunity to respond just six minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, but Schwake came up with a huge save to deny Lionel Messi and preserve Nashville’s advantage.
Inter Miami eventually found its breakthrough just before halftime. In the third minute of stoppage time, Messi found Segovia on the left side of the box. Segovia maneuvered around his defenders before curling a beautiful effort toward the far post, beating Schwake to level the match at 1-1.
The goal marked Segovia’s third of the MLS regular season and gave Miami momentum heading into the break.
That momentum disappeared quickly after halftime. Nashville reclaimed the lead in the 49th minute before adding another goal in the 56th. The hosts completed their dominant second-half performance with another strike in the 63rd minute, turning a tight 1-1 contest into a convincing 4-1 victory.
Nashville received major contributions from several of its All-Stars. Andy Nájar opened the scoring, Sam Surridge produced an audacious heel-flick finish, and Hany Mukhtar scored twice to lead the hosts’ offensive attack.
Schwake also played a starring role, particularly with his first-half penalty save against Messi that kept Nashville in front and ultimately proved pivotal.
For Inter Miami, the defeat represents a frustrating night on the road after the Herons showed flashes of attacking quality but struggled to contain Nashville once the second half began.
Miami will have little time to dwell on the loss as its road trip continues Wednesday. Inter Miami travels to Chester, Pennsylvania, to face the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the Herons looking to bounce back and return to winning form.
