Nashville 2-1 Inter Miami Player Ratings: Bauer Rated 9/10 as Nashville Seal Dominant Victory

What a performance from Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. They completely outplayed a star-studded Inter Miami side, securing a deserved 2-1 victory in this Major League Soccer clash. From our perspective this was a tactical masterclass from the home side. They were disciplined aggressive and incredibly clinical when it mattered most.

The game's complexion was set early on. Sam Surridge was a constant menace and won a penalty which he calmly converted. This early goal gave Nashville SC the perfect platform. They controlled the first half with a mix of defensive solidity and sharp counter-attacks.

Inter Miami on the other hand looked a shadow of their usual selves. Superstars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were kept quiet for large periods. Suárez did hit the post a moment that could have changed the game, but it was a rare glimpse of their attacking threat. The second goal, scored by Josh Bauer just before halftime, felt like the final nail in the coffin for the visitors in this specific match. The second half saw Miami push, but Nashville's defense held firm for a famous win with just one goal conceded.

Here are Nashville Vs Inter Miami Player Ratings

Nashville Player Ratings vs Inter Miami

Here are Nashville Player Ratings vs Inter Miami

Goalkeeper

Joe Willis - 7.0: He wasn't tested much, which is a testament to his defense. However, what stood out to us was his massive save against Suárez in the second half. It was a critical moment. He commanded his box well and his distribution was decent enough. A solid, reliable performance when called upon.

Defenders

Jeison Palacios - 7.5: A really strong showing from the defender. He made five crucial clearances and was a rock at the back. What impressed us was his composure on the ball with 87% pass accuracy. He won most of his duels and kept the Miami forwards frustrated. Hardly put a foot wrong all game.

Josh Bauer - 9.0: Our man of the match, without a doubt. He was simply immense. Scored the crucial second goal with a smart finish from a corner. Defensively, he was a monster, winning all four of his tackles. He was everywhere, making interceptions and driving forward. A complete performance that sealed the game for his team.

Walker Zimmerman - 8.0: The captain led by example. He got the clever header assist for Bauer's goal. Dominated in the air, winning 75% of his aerial duels. He organized the backline perfectly, ensuring Messi and Suárez had no space to operate. A true leader's performance.

Midfielders

Patrick Yazbek - 7.5: A bundle of energy in the midfield. He was tenacious in the tackle and drove forward with purpose, completing all three of his dribbles. Both of his shots were on target, forcing good saves. The early yellow card was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent, all-action display.

Matthew Corcoran - 7.0: A really busy performance from the young midfielder. He recovered the ball eight times and was combative, winning six duels. From our perspective, he did the dirty work that allowed others to shine. He gave away a few fouls but his work rate was undeniable.

Edvard Tagseth - 6.0: A quiet game for Tagseth, which was cut short. His passing was tidy with 90% accuracy, but an early yellow card seemed to limit his aggression. He was subbed off just after the hour mark having not made a huge impact on proceedings.

Andy Nájar - 7.5: Created a big chance for Surridge with a great run and pass. He was a constant creative force, delivering key passes and always looking to get forward. His link-up play was excellent, and he was defensively diligent too. A very impressive outing.

Forwards

Sam Surridge - 8.0: The perfect striker's performance in many ways. He won the penalty with his clever movement and then dispatched it with confidence. He was a physical presence, winning aerial duels and holding up the ball. He missed a big chance later on but his goal set the tone for the entire match.

Hany Mukhtar - 7.0: He was a livewire as always. While he didn't score, he was at the heart of Nashville's best attacks, creating two chances. His movement off the ball caused Miami's defense headaches all night. He was a constant threat.

Alex Muyl - 6.5: His work rate was phenomenal. He never stopped running for the team, making tackles and pressing from the front. However, his final product was a bit lacking today. He got into good positions but couldn't quite provide the finishing touch.

Substitutes

Jacob Shaffelburg - N/A: Came on for Tagseth and provided fresh legs but didn't have a major impact on the game's outcome.
Ahmed Qasem - N/A: A late substitute for Muyl.
Bryan Acosta - N/A: Replaced the impressive Yazbek to see out the game.

Manager

B. Callaghan II - 8.5: We have to give him immense credit. His game plan was executed to perfection. The team was defensively solid and ruthless on the counter-attack. Neutralizing stars like Messi and Suárez is no small feat, and his side did it comfortably. A tactical victory.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Nashville

Here are Inter Miami Player Ratings vs Nashville

Goalkeeper

Rocco Ríos Novo - 5.0: A tough day at the office. He gave away the penalty early on which was a disastrous start. While he made three saves, including a great one to deny Yazbek, conceding two goals and making a crucial error is hard to look past. He looked shaky.

Defenders

Ian Fray - 4.5: A really poor performance. He seemed to struggle with the pace and physicality of Nashville's attack, losing six of his duels. He committed several fouls and looked off the pace all game. A night to forget for the defender, and in our view, the worst performer on the pitch.

Jordi Alba - 6.0: He tried to make things happen, getting forward and creating a couple of chances. His experience was visible. However, he was part of a defensive unit that was porous and disorganized. He lost possession a staggering 18 times, which is unlike him.

Noah Allen - 5.0: He only lasted 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime. That really tells the story. He struggled to contain Nashville's attacks down his flank and offered little going forward. The manager's decision to hook him was justified.

Maximiliano Falcón - 5.5: He was probably the best of a bad bunch in the Miami defense. He made a few important clearances and interceptions. Still, he was part of a backline that was completely outplayed. He missed a header late on that summed up Miami's frustrating evening.

Midfielders

Sergio Busquets - 6.5: The maestro tried his best to dictate play, completing 90% of his passes. He was calm under pressure and won a decent number of his duels. But from our perspective, the game just passed him by. He couldn't cope with Nashville's energetic midfield pressing him at every turn.

Rodrigo De Paul - 6.0: A frustrating game for the Argentine. He saw a lot of the ball and had a high pass completion rate but lacked the incisive final pass. He worked hard but couldn't unlock a very organized Nashville defense. He looked a bit lost.

Baltasar Rodríguez - 5.5: Almost anonymous. He was on the pitch for 54 minutes but had just 18 touches. He failed to make any sort of impact on the game before being substituted. A very forgettable performance.

Tadeo Allende - 5.0: He missed a big chance in the first half that could have changed the momentum. Beyond that, he was largely ineffective. He lost possession frequently and his defensive contribution was minimal. A really disappointing showing.

Forwards

Luis Suárez - 6.0: It just wasn't his night. He was incredibly unlucky to see his shot hit the post in the first half. He also had a golden opportunity saved brilliantly by Willis. He looked frustrated and isolated for long periods, a passenger in a game his team desperately needed him in.

Lionel Messi - 7.5: We were shocked by how quiet he was. This was one of the most ineffective games we have ever seen from him. He lost possession 16 times and struggled to create anything of note. Nashville's defense marked him out of the game completely. however at last he scored a goal to make it 2-1.

Substitutes

Telasco Segovia - N/A: Replaced Allen at halftime but couldn't change the flow of the game.
Mateo Silvetti - N/A: Came on for the ineffective Rodríguez but had little time to make a difference.

Manager

J. Mascherano - 5.0: His team looked completely unprepared for Nashville's intensity. The tactics seemed wrong from the start. The team lacked cohesion and creativity, despite the star power on the pitch. He failed to make effective changes to turn the tide. A poor day at the office for the manager.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Josh Bauer