Three Up, Three Down on Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph in Nashville | OneFootball

Inter Miami claimed their first major trophy by edging Nashville SC on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Leagues Cup final. Drake Callender made five saves in regulation and two more in the 10-9 shootout, earning Man of the Match and the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.

Lionel Messi put Miami ahead with a 23rd-minute strike, Fafa Picault levelled via a deflection off Callender. According to interheron.com, this Three Up, Three Down rates the night’s standout and off-colour performers.

In the shootout, Randall Leal’s second effort was blocked by Callender’s right knee after he had dived right. The goalkeeper then scored as Miami’s 11th taker before saving Elliot Panicco to seal the cup.

Three Up starts with Callender, an A+ for a month of calm excellence capped by decisive moments under pressure. His all-round display underpinned Miami’s run.

Messi earned best player and top scorer honours with 10 goals and an assist in seven matches, and he delivered again in the final. Collecting a deflection just outside the box, he slipped past Walker Zimmerman and whipped into the top left corner.

Sergiy Kryvtsov took an A after a composed first half, making blocks, clearances and interceptions. He also helped progress play from the back when Sergio Busquets was crowded out.

In Three Down, Diego Gomez received a D+. Introduced for Benjamin Cremaschi in the 68th minute, he mixed energy with errant passes and slow decisions, and needs to improve if Miami are to chase the U.S. Open Cup or an MLS Cup play-off spot.

Josef Martinez and Kamal Miller were marked at C. Both were tidy but quiet, with Martinez yet to find consistent openings alongside Messi while Robert Taylor has profited, and Miller did not reach his levels from the Charlotte and Philadelphia ties.

Source: interheron.com