As much as Inter Miami CF’s Leagues Cup run made history because of Lionel Messi’s greatness, unsung stars kept showing how important they were to the Herons’ new, improving team.

And so it was Drake Callender’s turn Saturday night at GEODIS Park. He had the best showing of the game and helped win a trophy after a 1-1 tie with Nashville SC.

Callender made five stops in regular time and two more in the 11-round shootout that followed. He stopped both Randall Leal and another goalie, Elliot Panicco. The young US international even scored a penalty kick, which helped Miami win their first title ever.

“I was pretty excited when I realized I would have to take one,” Callender said after the game. “I’d never taken a PK like that before. It was my first goal as a worker. I also made two saves in the shootout, which was a first for me as a professional.

“It feels good to put in a lot of effort and be ready for those times. We were lucky, though, and were able to win.”