Nashville: Nashville forced its first round MLS playoff series against Inter Miami into a deciding third game with a 2-1 home win over Inter Miami on Saturday. English striker Sam Surridge put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after he was tripped by goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo. Josh Bauer doubled the lead by sliding home a shot at the far post following Hany Mukhtar’s corner. The visitors pulled a goal back through captain Lionel Messi, who danced around his marker before curling an 18-yard shot into the top-right corner in the 90th minute. The result leaves the series tied at 1-1, with the decider to be played at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium on November 8.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Nashville coach Brian Callaghan remarked on his team’s commitment and intensity throughout the match. “That was a team that was committed to playing in an aggressive and intense way and was able to do it for a long period of time,” Callaghan said. “That was a challenge that we set for ourselves and we were able to carry out our plan.”

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano expressed disappointment over his team’s performance, specifically their struggle to create scoring chances. “We couldn’t find Leo [Messi] in good positions in the first half and we lacked precision in the final third,” Mascherano said. “Our opponents deserve all the credit. We have to swallow our anger and carry it with us all week so that we can release it next Saturday.”