Sam Surridge delivered a dramatic late equaliser as Nashville SC earned a legitimate 2-2 draw against Inter Miami CF at Nu Stadium on Saturday night.
Nashville made the sharper start and were ahead after just four minutes, when Surridge found the net to give the visitors an early advantage. Inter Miami responded well, however, and were level in the 19th minute when Reed Baker-Whiting turned the ball into his own net.
The sides went into half-time locked at 1-1, with Miami enjoying more of the ball but Nashville carrying a persistent threat in transition. Inter Miami finished with 62.4 percent possession and five shots on target, while Nashville produced 18 attempts despite having less of the ball.
Lionel Messi appeared to have put the hosts on course for all three points when he scored in the 62nd minute, moving Miami into a 2-1 lead. The goal gave the home side a platform to manage the closing stages, but Nashville continued to press for a way back.
That persistence was rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time. Surridge struck again in the 90+1st minute to complete his brace and rescue a valuable point for Nashville, silencing the home support after Messi’s second-half intervention had looked set to decide the fixture.
The draw leaves Inter Miami with a 12-9-4 MLS record, while Nashville move to 16-6-3. Miami next host San Diego FC on September 20, while Nashville return home to face Chicago Fire FC on September 19.
Goals
- Nashville SC: Sam Surridge, 4′
- Inter Miami CF: Reed Baker-Whiting own goal, 19′
- Inter Miami CF: Lionel Messi, 62′
- Nashville SC: Sam Surridge, 90+1′
