Nashville SC vs Inter Miami CF: An Emerging MLS Rivalry

Introducing the MLS Rivals: Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF

As Major League Soccer continues its rapid expansion in the United States, exciting new rivalries are emerging. Two teams that have quickly established a thrilling rivalry are Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF.

Nashville and Miami entered MLS in 2020, bringing passion and energy to the Eastern Conference. As these expansion sides seek to make their mark in MLS, their matches have featured intense competition and high-quality play.

Nashville SC's Impressive MLS Debut

In their inaugural MLS season, Nashville SC exceeded expectations. They finished 2020 with an impressive 8-7-8 record and reached the playoffs in their first year. Playing at Nissan Stadium, Nashville SC quickly built an atmosphere and fan culture focused on creativity, inclusion and fun.

The club is led by CEO Ian Ayre, who brings experience from Liverpool FC and other major clubs. Under coach Gary Smith, Nashville play an organized, counterattacking style. They rely on a stingy defense led by Walker Zimmerman and midfield playmakers like Hany Mukhtar.

Inter Miami Seeks Success in the Sunshine State

League co-founder David Beckham's vision for top-level soccer in South Florida came to fruition with Inter Miami CF's MLS debut in 2020. Despite initial struggles, Inter Miami built momentum late in 2020 under coach Diego Alonso.

Playing in the iconic Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami lean on team leaders like Rodolfo Pizarro and Gonzalo Higuain. With co-owners Beckham, Jorge Mas and Marcelo Claure steering the club, Inter Miami's goal is becoming an MLS powerhouse that represents Miami's vibrant culture.

Two Rivals chasing the MLS dream

As the only two MLS teams in the Southeastern U.S., Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF were destined to develop into regional rivals representing two iconic American cities. Both clubs harbor ambitions of bringing MLS Cup glory to their fans.

Their fanbases have quickly built an organic rivalry culture rooted in each city's culture. Fans in the Nashville SC supporters group The Backline emphasis clever tifo displays, loud singing and community outreach. Down south, fans groups like La Familia and Siege of Miami bring Miami flair with drums and chants at DRV PNK Stadium.

Epic Encounters in Nashville and Miami

When Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF have clashed on the pitch, neither team has given an inch. Their matches have featured seven goals over three contests, with late goals and comeback efforts showing both teams' resolve.

Inter Miami earned a redemptive 2-1 home win on October 24, 2021 after Nashville SC had won the first two meetings. With two evenly matched teams playing in two of MLS's best gameday atmospheres, expect epic encounters when these rivals battle in 2023.

Two Rivals Still Chasing Glory

As Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF's head-to-head rivalry has ignited, both teams are still chasing their first MLS Cup playoff win entering 2023. But the future looks bright for these clubs building foundations for long-term success.

Nashville continue to retool under Garry Smith's leadership, signing talent like Ken Tribbett to maintain a staunch defense. For a Miami side boasting Gonzalo Higuain and captain Gregore in midfield, their attacking talent could soon translate to a dangerous playoff run.

Both teams will fight hard to claim bragging rights when they battle in MLS action this season. Their supporter groups will bring the noise with dueling chants, tifos and drums at their iconic soccer cathedrals in Tennessee and Florida. As Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF chase glory, their blossoming rivalry will continue driving passion for the beautiful game across the Southeast.

FAQs

When did Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF join MLS?

Both Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF began playing in MLS in 2020 as expansion teams. They were the first two teams to join MLS as expansion sides since 2017.

Who owns Inter Miami CF?

The ownership group of Inter Miami CF includes David Beckham and Jorge Mas. Beckham has played a lead role in bringing MLS to South Florida and serves as president of soccer operations.

Where do Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF play?

Nashville SC plays home matches at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Inter Miami CF played its first two MLS seasons at Inter Miami CF Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before opening a new stadium in Miami in 2022.

Which team has more wins in the rivalry?

Through the first three MLS meetings between the clubs, Nashville SC leads the series with two wins compared to one for Inter Miami CF. With two hungry teams harboring ambitious goals, expect a tight rivalry series moving forward.