INTER NASHVILLE FC ADVANCES WITH A 1-0 WIN OVER THE MIAMI FUSION

Inter Nashville FC traveled 15 hours to play their NPSL South Region Semifinal against Miami Fusion FC, a team that finished first in the NPSL Power Rankings.

Miami started brightly as Nashville looked a little nervous early, although the best early chance fell to Inter’s captain Liam Collins, who forced the Fusion keeper into a great save on seven minutes.

Inter grew into the match and after some sustained pressure took the lead on 25 minutes through midfielder Greg Warden after a goalkeeping mistake.

Miami tried to hit back before halftime and came with waves of attacks that were being thwarted by the tough Nashville defence of Luke Wilson, Richie Reichenberger, Danny Sassano, and Danny Dunleavy.

After the break, Nashville controlled the tempo of the game and were in full control and should have added to the score after missing a host a clear chances.

Nashville’s wastefulness in front of goal nearly cost them as Miami Fusion were awarded a last- minute penalty. Nashville’s goalkeeper Hayden Coffman, who has been a rock all season, made a great full-length save to his right to keep the score 1-0.

Inter saw out five minutes of injury time and fully deserved to come out as winners and now move on to the South Region Final against Midland-Odessa FC.

“The character and perseverance of these players has once again pushed the team through another big game,” said Inter Nashville’s assistant coach Alan O’Connor. “Our discipline allowed is to gain possession of the ball as the game began to open up, and we began to stretch the Fusion and cause problems. We are working with a special group of men and we travel to Texas with confidence and belief in further success.”