MLS is Back: Top 3 group stage matches to watch
2. Orlando City Vs Inter Miami
The very first match of the entire competition is always one to watch, and it happens to be the newly formed Florida rivalry that will kick of MLS is Back.
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Orlando City were named a number one seed due to hosting the tournament, while Inter Miami were placed into Group A alongside them before the ‘draw’ was made. The expansion side is the only other Florida-based team in MLS and the league will be keen for them to fire up a rivalry with the Lions.
Orlando are an oft-overlooked team in the league. They are yet to make the playoffs, are embarking on another regime change under Oscar Pareja, and lack the commercial and supporter pull to demand the attention of the larger teams in the league. There is, then, the potential for Miami to immediately arrive and dominate the Florida market.
This will be the first time that these clubs have ever face one another. Inter Miami are two games old. But having lost them both after assembling a tantalising team in the offseason, what better way to make a statement than to beat your neighbours in the opening match of MLS’ return?