Drake Callender: Inter Miami were 'prepared' for penalty shootout in Leagues Cup final
- Inter Miami won first trophy in club history after defeating Nashville 1-1 (10-9 on pens.) to win Leagues Cup
- Drake Callender came up clutch with a converted penalty and two saves in the shootout
- Miami now looks ahead to US Open Cup semi-final vs FC Cincinnati
Drake Callender came up huge for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final penalty shootout, making two saves and converting his attempt from the spot.
Before the Leagues Cup tournament and the arrival of Lionel Messi, many fans probably didn't know about Miami's underrated shot-stopper. But now, after a string of solid performances in the competition, Callender has announced himself to fans in North America and around the world.
Callender stepped up to take what would end up being the winning penalty, and right after his attempt he saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's attempt to seal the title for the Herons.
On the biggest night in the club's history (other than announcing Messi officially), Callender was up to the challenge, especially when he knew he was going to have to line up from 12 yards out.
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"Once I realized that I was going to have to take one, I was pretty excited," said Callender postgame. "I had never taken a PK [penalty kick] like that before. It was my first professional goal. As well as I had two saves in the shootout, and I hadn't made a save in a shootout before as a pro."
The Sacramento native explained that his side were prepared for the game to go down to the wire.
"It feels good to work hard and be prepared for those moments. Fortunately, we were able to come out with the win," he said.
As the south Florida club have now got their hands on their first ever trophy, Callender, who's been with the club since day one, will now prepare to get back on track in MLS to finish in a playoff spot. Additionally, Miami will also be looking to make another final when they meet FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semi-final on August 23.
"Any time we play in a non-league competition, in a cup game, it puts us in a position to lift a trophy. Yes, the attributions we've had from Leo and all the new players have been amazing, but it's a team effort. It's the collective strive for greatness that led us to where we are right now," Callender stated.
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