BAY LAKE – A stoppage-time goal from Nani has handed Orlando City SC its first derby win in the MLS era. The Lions defeated Inter Miami CF 2-1 on Tuesday night in the opening match of the MLS is Back tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World.
The match opened with a demonstration from the Black Players for Change (apart from starting this match) surrounding the field and raising their fists for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the same length of time former police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of George Floyd. It was an emotional display, occurring as the players and referees knelt in silence, all showing solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
“It’s emotional for those there, and I felt it for a couple of moments, and I started thinking that everyone in the world should stop for a minute and start thinking about their attitudes and to see what we all can do to make a difference in the world”
Orlando City SC’s Nani
After a scoreless first-half, Miami opened the scoring in the 47th minute. A good ball from Matias Pellegrini found Victor Ulloa on the right. Ulloa squared for Juan Agudelo to poke home and the Herons their first competitive goal.
After huffing and puffing, Orlando got its equalizer in the 70th minute. Mauricio Pereya’s pass found Nani charging up the left. Nani sent the ball into the box where Chris Mueller was able to slide in and get the equalizer.
Seven minutes into stoppage time, the Lions stole all three points. Joao Moutinho’s cross was deflected in the box and fell fortuitously for Nani, who slammed it home.
“I want to tell everybody how proud we are of the players, the effort and the job that they have done through this last period. They are a tremendous group and tonight they showed that they are very strong inside. Both teams were very generous with the effort and we saw a lot of soccer there. We are proud with the victory.” (Oscar Pareja, OCSC Head Coach)
Orlando City SC Head Coach Oscar Pareja
The first half was tight, both sides still getting back into their rhythm in a match that lacked some of the pace you’d typically see this time of year. Agudelo had the best early chance in the ninth minute. Pellegrini beat his man and sent a perfect cross for the eventual goalscorer whose shot went just wide.
Orlando’s best chance of the first half came in the 22nd minute with a strong shot from Mueller that was only denied by a stunning save from Miami captain Luis Robles.
“We’re never happy when we lose. We hope to play better in the next match, we had some good moments, but I think we can play better to be able to win matches.”
Inter Miami CF Head Coach Diego Alonso
With the win, Oscar Pareja is off the mark as OCSC Head Coach, after joining in the off-season.
At half-time in the broadcast, MLS Commissioner Don Garber joined the commentary team to speak about the tournament. Despite FC Dallas withdrawing before the game and Nashville FC withdrawing after it, both due to the number of positive tests, Garber was still confident at completing the tournament. There’s still been no stoppage of the competition despite “the bubble” failing to protect players from getting COVID-19 and spreading it and Florida continuing to increase its cases.
Florida Soccer Report 
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