Boy, that Inter Miami victory was sweet, right? Producing a much improved display to deservedly defeat Florida rivals Inter Miami 1-3, MLS Rivalry Week was one to remember. Especially for our loyal travelling band of City supporters at DRV PNK Stadium.
Rivalry victories hit different and Orlando City SC now have another great opportunity to help our supporters forget our early season struggles. With fellow fierce rivals Atlanta United in town, City should now be relishing the visit of The Five Stripes.
There was something hugely cathartic about the way in which Orlando City SC prevailed past Inter Miami in Fort Lauderdale.
Heading into the game, The Herons sat just a point behind City with Oscar Pareja desperately in need of a momentum shift to fight for his job.
Despite Inter Miami struggling like ourselves, Josef Martínez dominated the pre-game narrative (not the actual game itself) with many expecting the Venezuelan to haunt Orlando City SC yet again – looking for his ninth goal in just 11 MLS appearances against the Lions.
But after Ramy Touchan blew for kick-off, Orlando City SC maturely took early control of the game – to our pleasant surprise.
Playing protagonist; sustained possession, committed tackles, and composure on and off the ball set a reassuring tone.
This genuine fight and determination all made for a very satisfying and welcome spectacle.
Scoring three goals in four MLS games pre-Inter Miami, Ercan Kara now looks a player brimming with confidence.
For a long time, Kara has looked isolated and frustrated in Oscar Pareja‘s system, but he was constantly involved throughout in Fort Lauderdale.
Especially on 20 minutes when he flicked home the opening goal past Drake Callender off a long throw-in from César Araújo – yes, the Uruguayan’s familiar long throw-in routine finally paid off!
Heading into half-time 0-1 up, Orlando City SC supporters were happy yet concerned whether we’d retreat, park the bus, and invite second-half Inter Miami pressure.
In truth, Pedro Gallese was largely untroubled throughout the game. However, the Peruvian was powerless to prevent Leonardo Campana’s 57th minute pile-driver.
A bolt from the blue, the Ecuadorian’s long-range equaliser gave City supporters that very familiar sinking feeling.
Only until Ercan Kara‘s outstandingly lobbed through-ball caught the Inter Miami defence napping on 68 minutes, however.
Flicking the ball over his shoulder, and past former Lion Kamal Miller too, sub Martín Ojeda had nothing but green space between himself and Drake Callender.
Clinically sweeping a shot past Callender for his third City goal, it was a vital time to reinstate our lead.
From here, Oscar Pareja made crucial substitutions at the right time in the sweltering and sapping South Florida heat.
With Ojeda energised after his strike, the Argentine was part of a ruthless 86th minute counter attack that saw Rafael Santos drive home City’s third goal – his first in purple and the knockout blow!
Ensuring Florida remains purple, as it always has been, this MLS Rivalry Week victory came exactly when Oscar Pareja, the players, and our supporters really needed it.
It sure was mighty satisfying to defeat The Herons in their own backyard again!
Especially with embarrassing artificial crowd noise blasting through the DRV PNK Stadium speakers to force an atmosphere.
Not to mention a giant, yet manufactured (yes, non-painted) and recycled tifo being passed across the home supporters’ section.
Tallying our second ever victory in Fort Lauderdale, a visibly stressed Phil Neville even used an expletive to a reporter in his post-match press conference too – to City supporters’ delight!
With attention now switching to Atlanta United, The Five Stripes have been good value under Gonzalo Pineda this season.
Currently fourth in the East, Thiago Almada has been the jewel in the crown of the Georgia side’s 2023 resurgence.
Conceding late at Chicago Fire (3-3) last weekend, Atlanta United only have one win in five MLS games however.
Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United
Last 3 head-to-heads
- September 10, 2021: Atlanta United 3 Orlando City SC 0 (MLS)
- July 17, 2022: Atlanta United 1 Orlando City SC 1 (MLS)
- September 14, 2022: Orlando City SC 0 Atlanta United 1 (MLS)
2017/22 head-to-head stats
- It was 0-1 to Atlanta the last time the sides met (September 2022)
- Played Atlanta 17 times in MLS – Orlando 3, Draws 6, Atlanta 8
- Atlanta are undefeated in the last 3 MLS head-to-heads
- Orlando have already dropped 13 points at home so far this MLS season
- Giorgos Giakoumakis has scored 3 goals in his last 2 MLS appearances for Atlanta
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Watching the game
Orlando City SC vs Atlanta United will be shown live on Apple TV at 00:30 (GMT) on Sunday, May 28.
Remember, UK supporters can watch all of Orlando City SC‘s 2023 MLS regular season fixtures by subscribing to Apple TV’s “MLS Season Pass”.
Subscribe now by clicking here.
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