Nashville SC earns first-ever spot in major final and will face Lionel Messi
It was a night to remember for Nashville SC, but the real challenge lies ahead. In the League Cup semifinals on Tuesday night, Nashville defeated CF Monterrey 2-0 at Geodis Park, earning the club's first spot in a major final. And along with that, they will be going up against one of the top players […]
It was a night to remember for Nashville SC, but the real challenge lies ahead.
In the League Cup semifinals on Tuesday night, Nashville defeated CF Monterrey 2-0 at Geodis Park, earning the club's first spot in a major final.
And along with that, they will be going up against one of the top players in the world.
On the other side of the bracket, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami competed against Philadelphia Union, winning 4-1 and also punching their ticket into the final.
Messi joined Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain F.C., and has been dominant for the team during their League Cup campaign. He leads the tournament with nine goals.
Yet, it's clear that Nashville SC isn't backing down from the impending challenge.
Nashville SC creates incredible moment in the city's soccer history
Hany Mukhtar nearly opened the scoring for Nashville SC, firing a shot from the top left corner of the box that floated into the right corner of the net, but the goal was called offsides. But Nashville didn't back down from the fight.
While Nashville certainly controlled possession, CF Monterrey was able to create some chances and the score remained tied at 0-0 when the halftime whistle blew.
However, it Mukhar who set up the winning goal in the 67th minute, getting the ball in transition off a header and sending it to to Sam Surridge on a short pass in the box. Surridge's shot escaped the hands of CF Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada and flew into the bottom right corner of the net.
Surridge, who replaced Teal Bunbury at the start of the second half, wasn't the only substitute to score in the semifinal matchup. Fafa Picault, who replaced midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg, solidified the win for Nashville in the 96th minute.
Picault showed immense ball control in the added time, defeating one defender in the bottom right corner of the box and dribbling it to the center before firing a shot that flew over the head of Andrada and into the back of the net.
Mukhtar, who played the entire game, had a strong impact despite not scoring. He is one of the top players in the league, having been named the 2022 MLS MVP after finishing last season with 23 goals and 11 assists. Across 24 games played this season, Mukhtar has 13 goals and 8 assists, with plenty of time still remaining.
And he couldn't help the smile that lit up his face following the game.
"We want silverware, so let's see Saturday," Mukhtar said following the game.
And the fans agree, with the crowds at Geodis Park on Tuesday night chanting, "we want Messi."
What's at stake for Nashville SC in the League Cup Final
The League's Cup is an annual soccer tournament that includes teams from the MLS and from Liga MX, with every team in each league competing. The tournament began in the groups stage, with three teams competing in the same group. The top two teams advanced to the Round of 32, while third was eliminated.
And from there it began the knockout rounds, with each team looking to earn a spot in the finals and win the ultimate prize.
Along with earning a spot in the finals, both teams have also qualified for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with one more spot up for grabs in the third-place game.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup is another annual competition that is held with clubs from Mexico, the United States, and Canada competing.
The winner of the Leagues Cup will earn a spot directly into the Round of 16, while the runner-up and third place team will enter in the first round.
22 teams will begin the tournament in Round one, while five teams including the winner of the Leagues Cup earn a bye into the Round of 16.
The final match will be held at home for Nashville at GEODIS Park, with kickoff slated for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Featured Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
