2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 10
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC
Inter Miami CF Stadium – Fort Lauderdale
September 6 – 8:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada
After an offensive explosion in an emotional and historic 3-2 win over Orlando City SC, Inter Miami CF's have gone consecutive games without a goal. But they're back home and highly motivated to get revenge for a 1-0 loss to Nashville SC when the expansion sides square off Sunday night in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami CF are coming off a goalless draw against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Nashville SC drew Orlando 1-1 on Wednesday. But they could receive a boost with World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi officially available for selection.
Anibal Godoy scored the lone goal in the first-ever meeting between the teams a week ago at Nissan Stadium.
Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami didn't get a win, but manager Diego Alonso was thrilled for the first clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Atlanta United Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
On Friday, Matuidi trained with his new team for the first time and Alonso was impressed with his fitness level.
“We’re very happy with the fact that Blaise is able to train with us," Alonso told media on Friday. "He is available to play on the weekend. We believe he’s trained really well during the time he’s been here and we’re confident that he can be ready to join the team in the next game.
“Clearly he’s not physically 100 percent. That’s normal," Alonso continued. "He’s coming off finishing a season [with Juventus] and then a break, a vacation period and the restart of training. Nonetheless, we’ve noticed he’s in good shape. He’s been training with us on an individual basis for several days now and today [Friday] he was able to train with us and surely the next game he’ll be available. We’ll continue to evaluate him everyday, but the good thing is that he can be available to the coaching staff for the next game.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: George Acosta (M) - left knee injury
- OUT: David Norman Jr (M) - left ankle injury
- OUT: Denso Ulysse (D) - left lower leg injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution:None
- International duty: None
Nashville SC
Randall Leal leveled early in the second half as Nashville SC rallied for a 1-1 draw against an Orlando City squad that beat them 3-1 at Exploria Stadium a week earlier. While Alonso wouldn't commit to Matuidi debuting for Inter Miami, Nashville manager Gary Smith fully expects the former Juventus midfielder to play a part Sunday.
“There’s a hell of a difference one individual can make, particularly a guy with the caliber of this player," Smith told reporters on a virtual press conference Friday. "A World Cup winner who played at the highest level. Even if he’s not on the field to begin with, his presence in the locker room and not being a million miles from competing will give everyone a lift.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Jimmy Medranda (D) - hip injury
- OUT: Ken Tribbett (D) - calf injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Daniel Lovitz (D)
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- This is the second all-time meeting between Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC with Nashville SC winning 1-0 at Nissan Stadium on August 30.
Officials
- Referee: Nima Saghafi
- Assistant Referees: Corey Parker, Nick Uranga
- 4th Official: Sergii Demianchuk
- VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
