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In the first half, Orlando City did a great job anticipating Inter Miami’s wingers. Facundo Torres participated more in creating attacking chances, he kept that going the whole game. Orlando City created several chances in attack with Ercan Kara at the forefront. Ercan had a header that hit the far left post, then another one that was offside that was met by a tremendous save by Callender. In the 19th minute, off a set piece, and with the back of his head, Kara headed the ball in and Orlando scored their first goal. It was Kara’s fifth goal in all competitions. After the goal, Orlando went on the attacking onslaught and could’ve scored a couple more, but they lacked the finishing touch. Inter Miami at the end of the half, started to get desperate and started fouling. Orlando ended the half-winning 1-0 but felt like they could’ve done more to increase the goal differential.
In the second half, Inter Miami came on the attacking onslaught and Campana scored a phenomenal goal in the 57th minute. At this point, you will think Orlando City would get demoralized and stop being the protagonist of this game. Wrong. Orlando City kept pushing with a lot of resilience and was fueled by the hundreds of fans that traveled all the way to Fort Lauderdale. Outstanding performances by Angulo, Facundo Torres, and Ercan Kara. In the 68th minute, after a fabulous Ercan Kara assistance, Martin Ojeda scored the 1-2 Orlando. The fans that came to DRV PINK stadium were loud and proud, Orlando City was winning this derby, and once again Florida remains purple. Profe Pareja made the right substitutions, Mauricio for Facundo and Duncan McGuire for Kara. Orlando kept pushing forward throughout the second half and eventually scored a third. In the 86th minute after a phenomenal play by Duncan McGuire and Mauricio Pereyra, Rafael Santos hit a dagger to the heart of all Inter Miami fans in attendance and made it 1-3. It was a record in attendance at DRV PNK and fans were left distraught and sad. Their chants were projected on speakers because their chants were not loud enough apparently. On the other hand, the fans that traveled far to see Orlando rejoiced. It was Saturday night in South Florida and one of the best Lions’ performances of the year.
Vamos Orlando!
Orlando City will face Atlanta United at home in a must-win game on May 27th.
