Inter Miami Triumphs 2-1 Over Nashville SC: Alba’s Stunning Goal Secures Victory, Even without Messi and Suarez
Inter Miami clinched their third consecutive MLS victory, a feat achieved sans football giants Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Jordi Alba stepped up in the absence of Messi and Suarez, propelling the Herons to a 2-1 triumph over Nashville SC.
While Messi and Suarez competed in the Copa America, Alba shone brightly, delivering a sublime volley in the 44th minute on Saturday to advance his team’s lead to 2-0.
Alba’s stellar goal, noteworthy for its low expected goals (xG) of just 0.01, came shortly after Ian Fray’s header from Julian Gressel’s corner had given Miami the edge.
A rash tackle by Yannick Bright on Tyler Boyd gave Hany Mukhtar a chance to narrow the gap for Nashville in the latter half. Mukhtar seized the opportunity, converting a penalty.
Forster Ajago nearly leveled the score, but Miami’s goalie, Drake Callender, thwarted the effort with an excellent save, preserving Miami’s lead.
Miami now sits at the summit of the Eastern Conference, maintaining a two-point lead over FC Cincinnati.
Data Debrief: Gressel the Facilitator
Gressel, since arriving in MLS in 2017, has notched 62 assists. This ranks him just behind Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta, who has set up 65 goals.
Earlier on June 19, against Columbus Crew, Gressel linked up with Fray to help Miami score first—a collaboration they repeated in this match.
