**Nashville SC**’s 2-0 win over **CF Monterrey** in the Leagues Cup 2023 semi-finals was sealed by a last-minute goal from Fafà Picault to put the result beyond doubt. The MLS Easter Conference side are now through to the final, where they’ll be facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF. The goalscorer summed up the feeling ahead of the clash: “It’ll be a battle”.
This Tuesday’s Leagues Cup action at GEODIS Park saw the hosts come out on top. Picault had started on the bench, but was brought on after 16 minutes to replace the injured Jacob Shaffelburg. Although the match was dominated by Nashville, Rayados had several chances to equalize after the opening goal, but were unable to find a way through.
After the game, Picault spoke to official broadcaster Apple TV: “It was a tough game today, there was a lot of quality on the pitch. We had to defend well, each one of us had to carry out his individual tasks and play as a team. It wasn’t easy, but we got the win.”
With the 2-0 win, Gary Smith’s men have booked their spot in the final, as well as a place in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup. They’ll need to get the better of Lionel Messi and company on Saturday to lift the Leagues Cup trophy: “We’re very excited right now, we know how hard it was for us to get here. We’re very happy, we have a very difficult game ahead of us, against a great team. It's going to be a fight on Saturday.”
It’ll be Nashville’s first chance at winning the summer tournament, as Fafà Picault himself looks to fulfill own objectives with the team. On signing for the Tennessee side, he explained: "My biggest goals with Nashville, and my source of motivation, are pride and respect for the game. It's my first love. I have a lot of confidence in myself to make it happen". Can he make an impact in Saturday’s final as well?
