Orlando City Vs Inter Miami: 3 things we learned – Nani rescues Lions
By Alex Windley
The highly anticipated match between Orlando City and Inter Miami didn’t disappoint in the MLS is Back opener. Here are three things we learned.
The opening game of the MLS is Back Tournament was a bit of a slugfest. Sloppy first touches, missed chances and heavy legs, for the neutral viewer, the amount of beautiful football played was slim to none. But it was Orlando City who outlasted the sloppiness, beating their cross-state rival Inter Miami thanks to a 96th-minute goal from their captain, Nani.
The game was a physical affair. Dom Dwyer and Colombian U21 international Andres Reyes came together which left the latter half crumpled on the ground with what appeared to be a serious injury. Luckily, Inter Miami confirmed that Reyes avoided any lasting damage, but that incident is an appropriate summation of how the game was played.
As both teams prepare for their next opponent, here are three things we learned from Orlando’s 2-1 victory.
3. Miami’s central midfield wilted in the heat
Inter Miami missed Designated Player, Rodolfo Pizarro. The Mexican was not fit enough to make the starting XI, though was soon introduced from off the bench in the second half. When on the sidelines, Inter Miami’s midfield lacked a proper ball carrier.
The midfield duo of Victor Ulloa and Wil Trapp was devoid of creativity. Both players are more known for their work-rate and defensive capabilities rather than progressing the ball to the attacking players. On Wednesday night, it showed.
It’s been discussed at length before, but last night proved that Inter Miami GM Paul McDonough’s search for a number eight who can progress the ball forward, comfortably retain possession, and also be contribute defensively is of utmost importance.
Maybe the inclusion of someone like Lee Ngyuen or Jay Chapman (with the former creating two chances as soon as he was substituted on), could work out in Miami’s favor. Only time will tell if Diego Alonso can get this together.