Nashville SC to face Inter Miami CF in first-round MLS playoffs clash

WEB DESK: Nashville SC is gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, set to kick off at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on October 24.

First match set for October 24

The league confirmed on Saturday that Nashville, seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference, will open its best-of-three series against third-seeded Inter Miami at 7 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the action live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, FS1 and Fox Deportes.

The second match will move to Nashville’s home ground, Geodis Park, on November 1 at 6:30 p.m. CT. If the series extends to a decisive third game, both sides will meet again in Florida on November 8. Tickets are already available through the Nashville SC website and Ticketmaster.

A familiar rivalry

The two sides have shared a budding rivalry since joining Major League Soccer in 2020. They have met 16 times across five competitions, including the MLS regular season, playoffs, the U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup. Nashville holds a 4-7-5 overall record against Miami, and has enjoyed some success at home, with three wins, two losses and three draws at Geodis Park.

A tale of two finishes

Nashville ended its regular season on a sour note after a 5-2 home defeat to Miami on October 18, closing out with a 16-12-6 record and 54 points. Inter Miami, on the other hand, wrapped up an impressive campaign with 19 wins, seven losses and eight draws, totalling 65 points.

Despite the setback, Nashville continues to build an admirable record as one of MLS’s most consistent new teams. It has now reached the playoffs in five of its first six seasons, a feat matched by only a handful of expansion sides. The club had already made history in 2023 as one of only three teams ever to qualify for the playoffs in each of its first four years.

With revenge on their minds and a tough opponent in their path, Nashville will look to flip the script when the playoffs begin in Florida next week.