After a one-year hiatus, Nashville SC are back in the playoffs.
They'll be greeted by the Inter Miami CF, the top team in the East based on xGD, and lead by Lionel Messi, the GOAT. Their two matches against Miami during the regular season was a microcosm of Nashville at their worst this year. Overall, solid performances, but critical mistakes and finishing luck let them down.
In a longer three-game series, you would hope the latter would even out. But if you’re waiting for Miami and Messi to return to human form, you’re going to be waiting a long time.
In honor of Nashville SC's trip to the US Open Cup final, new subscribers can get 25% off an annual membership now through October 1!
Attack
Inter Miami are the best attacking team in MLS. They lead in goals, expected goals, and non-penalty xG per shot. They turn every game into a shootout, and with the best player in the world, the close margins are always in their favor.
With 81 goals from 68 xG, the Herons have scored 13 goals above expected this season. I use the term “expected” loosely here, because no xG model accounts for Lionel Messi.Since FBRef added xG as a stat in 2017, Messi has scored 42 goals above expected.
