| Ian Fray returns after missing two seasons through injury, makes MLS debut; Dixon Arroyo nets first Inter Miami goal |
| NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 17, 2023) – Inter Miami CF (5W-7L-0D, 15 points) fell 2-1 to Nashville SC on the road at GEODIS Park on Wednesday night. Despite the result, Inter Miami saw another major milestone involving an Academy product when Ian Fray came on in the second half. The moment marked the young defender’s First Team debut, and a return to action after missing the last two seasons through injury. “It’s been a while since we suffered a defeat, and I think the nature of the game is that we kept going, kept fighting till the end. The goal at the end showed the character of the team,” said head coach Phil Neville. “Now it’s all about getting ready for Saturday’s game. We need to bounce back against Orlando. It’s a big game and it’s a great game to bounce back in and the team will be ready for it.” Inter Miami entered the match with a few changes from its win over New England over the weekend. Drake Callender started in goal; Chris McVey, Ryan Sailor and Kamal Miller again formed the back three with Harvey Neville and Franco Negri in front of them as wingbacks; Dixon Arroyo and Victor Ulloa started in the center midfield; Benjamin Cremaschi and Robert Taylor started in attack behind striker Leonardo Campana. Neville made his second MLS start of the season while his wingback counterpart Negri returned after serving a red card suspension. Ulloa also started his second MLS match of the season, and did so wearing the captain’s armband. Fray, meanwhile, featured in a First Team MLS matchday squad for the first time. Inter Miami defended compactly, limiting the chances for the hosts throughout the first half, but Nashville was able to open the scoring in the 33rd minute. Hany Mukhtar created space in the box and played a ball to Fafa Picault in front of goal, where the forward struck at the near post to make it 1-0. The team made an attacking change at halftime, bringing on Josef Martínez for Ulloa as it searched for an equalizer. In the 49th minute, though, Nashville scored a second; Shaq Moore crossed to Lukas MacNaughton at the near post, who flicked a header into the back of the net to make it 2-0. In the 67th minute, Inter Miami made a double change that saw Fray come on for his MLS debut alongside DeAndre Yedlin for Sailor and Neville. The team pushed to get back in the match throughout the remaining time, creating more chances and controlling more possession. The momentum resulted in a goal in the 93rd minute when Arroyo struck a powerful shot off the bar and past the keeper to make it 2-1, but it wasn’t enough to level before the final whistle. Next Inter Miami will face Florida rivals Orlando City SC at DRV PNK Stadium this Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Scoring Summary: NSH – Fafa Picault (Hany Mukhtar) 33’, Lukas MacNaughton (Shaq Moore) 49’ MIA – Dixon Arroyo 90’ + 3’ Misconduct Summary: MIA – Franco Negri (Yellow Card 18’), Dixon Arroyo (Yellow Card 52’), Harvey Neville (Yellow Card 56’) Lineups / Substitutions: Nashville SC – GK Joe Willis; D Shaq Moore, Lukas MacNaughton, Jack Maher, Daniel Lovitz; M Alex Muyl (Randall Leal 81’), Anibal Godo7 (Brian Anunga 87’), Sean Davis (Ján Gregus 87’), Fafa Picault (Jacob Shaffelburg 70’); F Teal Bunbury (Taylor Washington 70’), Hany Mukhtar Unused Substitutes – GK Elliott Panicco; D Josh Bauer; M Dax McCarty; F Ethan Zubak Inter Miami CF – GK Drake Callender; D Chris McVey, Ryan Sailor (Ian Fray 67’), Kamal Miller; M Harvey Neville (DeAndre Yedlin 67’), Victor Ulloa © (Josef Martínez HT), Dixon Arroyo; F Benjamin Cremaschi, Robert Taylor (Corentin Jean 78’); Leonardo Campana (Shanyder Borgelin 87’) Unused Substitutes – GK Nick Marsman; D Noah Allen: F Jake LaCava, Nicolás Stefanelli Details of the Game: Date: May 17, 2023 Time: 8:30 p.m. ET Stadium: GEODIS Park Stats: Possession: NSH – 56% MIA – 44% Shots: NSH – 15 MIA – 11 Saves: NSH – 3 MIA – 3 Corners: NSH – 6 MIA – 4 Fouls: NSH – 11 MIA – 14 |
