After an amazing morale-boosting 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Atlanta United, Orlando City SC now face in-state Florida rivals Inter Miami.
It’s another big opportunity to earn regional bragging rights. Not only that but attempting to keep runaway Eastern Conference leaders New England Revolution within sight too.
Trailing Revs by eight points right now, Orlando City SC were simply stoked, and relieved, to extend their unbeaten streak over Atlanta United.
It was a game that had it all. Firstly, Lions supporters feared the worst when nemesis Josef Martínez opened the scoring within just 48 seconds.
His eighth MLS career goal against City, when the Venezuelan plays the Lions, he usually scores.
Looking back, the timing of Kyle Smith‘s 43rd minute equaliser was key.
In truth, Orlando City SC looked by far the dominant side leading up to half-time. Pressure told when Smith headed home a Nani corner.
Orlando City SC‘s dominance carried on into the second-half. However, Oscar Pareja‘s side were wasteful with their opportunities.
This came back to bite City in the 66th minute. Marcelino Moreno ripped an unstoppable long-range strike that City debutant Mason Stajduhar could do nothing about – much like Martínez’s opener.
With just over 10 minutes of regulation to go, it would’ve been easy for Orlando City SC‘s heads to drop. Especially with Alec Kann looking inspired in The Five Stripes’ goal.
But on 79 minutes, Benji Michel laid a smart Mauricio Pereyra secondary assist into the path of sub Silvester van der Water who equalised at a crucial stage.
With the Lions smelling blood, van der Water followed his goal with an excellent left-footed cross that Nani headed home from point-blank range on 87 minutes.
Cue absolute jubilation in The Wall and around Exploria Stadium, as Orlando City SC sealed a super memorable victory over a side they love to hate.
Not only that but also scenes of Josef Martínez looking less than impressed on the Atlanta United subs bench – to City supporters’ glee everywhere!
With Oscar Pareja‘s 74th minute sub of Silvester van der Water proving inspirational, the Dutchman may have earned a start against Inter Miami.
After a seven-game winless streak, a Gonzalo Higuaín brace eased the pain last time out.
The Argentine’s two goals were enough for Inter Miami to overcome CF Montréal 2-1 back on July 31.
Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami – 2020/21 head-to-head stats
The last time Orlando City SC faced Inter Miami (1-2), it was Lions’ supporters favourite game of the Sunshine Clásico series so far.
Not only because it was our first victory in Fort Lauderdale but our third straight victory in only six days!
Admittedly, City were second best to The Herons throughout much of the game at DRV PNK Stadium.
When Gonzalo Higuaín opening the scoring on 67 minutes, it was tempting to fear the worst.
Especially considering that Orlando City SC were fatigued with Phil Neville’s fresher Inter Miami side looking extra motivated throughout the first-half.
Oscar Pareja‘s half-time substitutions of Benji Michel and Chris Mueller worked wonders however.
Gaining a second wind late on, superbly taken smash-and-grab goals from Mueller and Nani sealed our first ever victory in enemy territory.
With a large contingent of travelling Orlando City SC supporters present, they headed back up Florida’s Turnpike victorious!
Inter Miami 1 Orlando City SC 2 – Highlights – June 25, 2021 (Credit: Major League Soccer)
With that landmark 1-2 win in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando City SC have pulled ahead in this five-game old Florida rivalry.
Including the clubs’ inaugural meeting in the #MLSisBack Tournament, since Eastern Conference points were at stake, Orlando City SC currently hold THREE victories.
In 450+ minutes of head-to-head MLS action, we are yet to see a draw.
Either side has enjoyed the bragging rights one time or another.
As we already mentioned, Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami has been a competitive MLS rivalry from the start.
In all FIVE Sunshine Clásico games, the Florida rivals have been separated by just ONE goal (2-1, 3-2, 2-1, 2-1, 1-2).
A lot is written and spoken about what makes a true soccer rivalry.
Sure, the Sunshine Clásico is still in its infancy.
But you can tell with each passing game that these teams are learning to despise each other.
Orlando City SC 2 Inter Miami 1 – Highlights – September 12, 2020 (Credit: Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami)
Orlando City SC form
Getting another win on the board against Atlanta United was key.
Especially with New England Revolution running away with the Eastern Conference.
Sure, the Lions have only lost one game at Exploria Stadium this season. However, Oscar Pareja will want City to make things easier on themselves – and that means more home clean sheets.
Indeed, BOTH SIDES HAVE SCORED in Orlando City SC‘s last THREE home fixtures at Exploria Stadium.
Cristian Cásseres, Fábio, Kacper Przybyłko, Josef Martínez and Marcelino Moreno have all scored on City of late. It’s now time to earn another shutout.
Despite Pedro Gallese‘s absence, this Inter Miami game will be a good opportunity to do so, especially considering The Herons’ poor road form.
Orlando City SC 3 Atlanta United 2 – Highlights – July 30, 2021 (Credit: Atlanta United FC)
Inter Miami form
You know that poor Inter Miami road form we were just talking about – well here it is!
Currently bottom of the Eastern Conference, The Herons have gone 2-1-3 away from DRV PNK Stadium this season.
Compounding that, Inter Miami have failed to score in FOUR of their last SIX away fixtures outside Fort Lauderdale.
With previous Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami games being tight affairs, it’d feel great to win by a more comfortable margin here.
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Don’t forget, Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Football in the early hours of Thursday morning at 01:00 (GMT).
You can view our TV Fixture Tracker by clicking here.
GOOD NEWS 🚨 | @OrlandoCitySC 🆚 @InterMiamiCF is LIVE on @SkySports Football in the early hours of Thursday morning. 😁👏🏽🦁
That’s now 3 of our last 4 games LIVE on Sky! 👏🏽
VIEW TV TRACKER 📺: https://t.co/KV9JvpAA0o#ORLvMIA #OrlandoCity #VamosOrlando #InterMiamiCF #MLSUK pic.twitter.com/fbP5LmUOU7
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 2, 2021