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Playoff Chase: Inter Miami falters against Nashville, needs a result Sunday in Los Angeles

The Herons have 10 matches left to make up 10 points; their best player, Lionel Messi, will miss two matches while on duty with La Albiceleste, and several other key players also have been called up for international duty. Inter Miami's motto is "Freedom to Dream," but La Rosanegra may be close to waking up. Playoff Chase is a look at each Matchday's matchups and the results that would most help IMCF. Here's this week's rundown:

By Ken Garner

Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (9) attempts to head a ball against Nashville SC. The teams played to a 0-0 tie Wednesday.
Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (9) attempts to head a ball against Nashville SC. The teams played to a 0-0 tie Wednesday. / Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
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Inter Miami (14th, Eastern) at LAFC (2nd, Western)

Vamos, Inter Miami! Los Angeles FC is the defending MLS Cup champion and is second in the Western Conference with 40 points in 25 matches, seven points behind first-year St. Louis City. The Herons have nothing to gain by beating the Black & Gold except, of course, three points.

Forward Nathan Ordaz (27) celebrates an LAFC win earlier this season.
Forward Nathan Ordaz (27) celebrates an LAFC win earlier this season. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NY Red Bulls (12E) at Philadelphia (4E)

Vamos, Union! Inter Miami must focus on the possible; the Herons can catch the Red Bulls (29 points in 26 matches); they cannot catch Philadelphia (43 points after 25 matches).

Chicago (9E) at D.C. United (10E)

Vamos, United! Ninth place, not the Fire, is the goal, but right now that's Chicago. This is a tough one, because Wayne Rooney's squad is in 10th, with 30 points from 26 matches; The Red & Black and Pink & Black will be fighting for the same spot.

Chicago Fire starting eleven before a game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Chicago Fire starting eleven before a game against the Vancouver Whitecaps. / Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Columbus (5E) at Montreal (8E)

Vamos, Crew! See Philadelphia, above. Columbus already has 42 points after 26 matches, safely above the playoff line. The Herons need to make up ground on Les Canadiens.

Charlotte (11E) at Nashville (7E)

Vamos, Nashville SC. The Tennessee side has provided the Herons two of their most challenging, most exciting matches of the season in the Leagues Cup final and last week's regular-season scoreless tie. Some fans may have a knee-jerk reaction against Nashville, but they're on 39 points with eight to play. Charlotte has 30 with nine left. Charlotte is between us and our goal; we need them to drop points.

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