FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – Inter Miami CF go face Orlando City SC on Sunday night for their first rivalry match of the season at Chase Stadium. The Herons dey try to bounce back from a rough patch where dem win only once in their last six matches, with the latest being a thrilling 3-3 draw against San Jose Earthquakes.
Last Wednesday, Inter Miami struggled as tensions rose, particularly around their star Lionel Messi, who almost got a red card. This draw came after dem suffer a 4-1 heavy loss to Minnesota United, which make co-owner David Beckham really vex, especially as he responded to a social media post calling Miami the “Pink Phony Club.”
By contrast, Orlando City dey shine bright, losing just two matches this season and enjoying a 10-game unbeaten streak, having just beaten Charlotte FC 3-1. With rivalry tension high and recent signings still fresh, dis Sunday clash sure to be something special for fans, especially since dis na eight matchups in Rivalry Week.
“E fit be new rivalry because of our club age, but e still be rivalry,” manager Javier Mascherano talk on Friday. “E go important to play well, especially to resume our winning ways.”
As Miami gear up, dem expect striker Luis Suárez to return after missing two matches for personal reasons. Mascherano explained, “Luis don tell me about this trip him plan before I even start this job. He don play almost every game, so e be chance to give am small rest.” Miami defense don dey challenged this season, with 18 goals conceded, which na fourth most in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Maxi Falcon, the center back, dey face pressure after lackluster performances.
Orlando manager Oscar Pareja don’t spark joy by reuniting his attacking trio of Luis Muriel, Martín Ojeda, and Marco Pašalić, who dey click well in recent games. Orlando has scored 26 goals in 13 games, making dem the second-best attack in the Eastern Conference.
They also dey defensive strong, allowing only four goals in the last eight matches, with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese earning five clean sheets this season. Ojeda don catch fire, scoring in his last two matches, moving his tally to eight goals and three assists this season.
For Orlando, Eduard Atuesta go miss the match due to neck injury. Still, Ojeda go take central role, with Ivan Angulo on the left midfield. Orlando’s attacking prowess and sharp defense give dem confidence as they prepare to take on the Herons.
The teams meet for the first time this season, with the likelihood that this rivalry would shape the rest of their campaigns. Miami look to stabilize their defense and secure victory while Orlando plans to keep riding their form. The kickoff go hold at 7 p.m., and fans sure dey expect firework!
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