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Inter Miami's spectacular win away from home keeps fans ecstatic

With goals from Ian Fray and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami beats Nashville SC and extends unbeaten streak in MLS

By Izabelle Franca

Jun 29, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the first half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Casey Gower-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba (18) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the first half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Casey Gower-USA TODAY Sports / Casey Gower-USA TODAY Sports
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Inter Miami are enjoying a golden moment in Major League Soccer, and the 2-1 win over Nashville SC at GEODIS Park is proof of that. Tata Martino's side extended their unbeaten run away from home to seven games and continue to impress with their engaging and efficient soccer, but without the Messi and Suárez duo. Ian Fray and Jordi Alba were the heroes of the night, scoring the decisive goals that secured the win and kept Inter Miami on the winning trail.

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Martino made significant changes to the starting line-up since the last win over Columbus Crew, opting for a formation that mixed experience and youth. The gamble proved right from the start of the match. Inter Miami began by pressing and creating chances. Cremaschi, Gressel and Campana were the first to threaten the Nashville goal, showing that the team was here to win.

In the 30th minute, the initial pressure turned into a clear warning of what was to come. Gressel, with his back to goal, received a pass from Campana and shot with precision, hitting the crossbar. It was a demonstration of Inter Miami's firepower, which would soon be translated into goals.

Ten minutes later, the team finally broke through the Nashville defense. A corner taken by Gressel found the head of Gómez at the far post, but the Nashville goalkeeper made a miraculous save. The next corner, however, was no salvation.

Gressel again took the corner with precision, and Ian Fray, at the far post, headed the ball into the back of the net, scoring his second goal in two games after an impressive recovery from a serious knee injury.

Inter Miami didn't stop there. In the 44th minute, another corner from Gressel was cleared by the Nashville defense, but the ball fell to Jordi Alba outside the box. The Spaniard showed all his class as he got to his feet and hit a spectacular volley into the corner of the net, doubling Inter Miami's lead.

It was Alba's third goal of the season and he showed that, even at the age of 35, he can still decide matches with his technical quality.

In the second half, Nashville tried to react and managed to reduce the lead in the 73rd minute with a penalty converted by Hany Mukhtar. But Inter Miami, led by a solid performance from goalkeeper Drake Callender, kept their cool and held off the pressure.

Callender made crucial saves, especially a diving save to stop a dangerous shot from Mukhtar in injury time, ensuring that the score remained in Inter Miami's favor.

Jordi Alba was voted Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Match, not only for his decisive goal, but also for his solid performance in defense and attack. His presence in the team has been crucial, especially with the absences of Messi and Suárez, who are at the 2024 Copa América. Coach Tata Martino was full of praise for the left-back after the match.

"He [Alba] is a player with a lot of class and quality, I'm not surprised by the goal he scored. He gives us a lot of options in attack and plays very well defensively," said Martino.

With this win, Inter Miami strengthen their position as one of the most feared teams in the MLS. The unbeaten run away from home and the soccer on show are clear signs that the team is on course to achieve great things this season. The next challenge is to continue this run of success and go for more wins.

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