Nashville SC dominates Inter Miami, extends its unbeaten streak to seven games
Nashville SC beat Inter Miami CF 2-1 on Wednesday night in the first of two games between the clubs over a stretch of seven days.
The Eastern Conference foes meet again Tuesday in the U.S. Open Cup at DRV PNK Stadium.
Wednesday's game, played in front of a Geodis Park crowd of 25,839, extended three unbeaten streaks for Nashville.
Nashville is now 5-0-2 across all competitions in its past seven games and unbeaten in its past seven home games also at 5-0-2.
The win also kept Nashville's home unbeaten streak against Miami, which made its first visit to Geodis Park, alive. Nashville is 3-0-1 all time against Miami (5-1-7). It was Miami's first visit to Nashville since 2021.
Coach Gary Smith said Nashville's greatest challenge is to avoid resting on its laurels.
"We've seen so often in this league you can be in a very good place and complacency sets in," Smith said. "I don't think that will happen to this group. While we're in this run, we want to try to reinforce our style at home, which has been aggressive and far more productive and positive."
Having to face Miami again in such a short amount of time, Smith said, had nothing to do with the way his team prepared for Wednesday's game.
"Our main focus was putting a team out there that was going to win the game tonight," Smith said. "It's another home game, it's another victory, it's another three points towards that postseason. I don't think this game gave any edge to either team for the next game. I think we both learned a lot about each other. We've not seen Miami for a little while, and they are a much improved team."
After dominating possession early, Nashville took a 1-0 lead when Fafa Picault scored off an assist from Hany Mukhtar in the 33rd minute. It was Picault's third goal of the season and Mukhtar's sixth assist.
Nashville went ahead 2-0 in the 49th minute when defender Lukas MacNaughton scored his first MLS goal, a header off an assist from Shaq Moore.
"It was something we’ve been practicing throughout the week, "said MacNaughton, who made his third home start in all competitions. "It’s something that I feel like I should’ve had two weeks ago. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m just excited to get on that ball and get the three points."
Dixon Arroya scored in a scramble in additional time for Miami.
Nashville (6-3-4), which was coming off a 1-1 tie at D.C. United on Saturday, has gone a full calendar month without a loss. Its last loss came on April 15 at New York City (2-1).
Miami entered the game unbeaten in five straight games in all competitions.
Before the rematch with Miami, Nashville visits Charlotte (5-3-5) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville keeps unbeaten streak alive with win over Inter Miami
