October 5, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Orlando City SC News Release
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Orlando City SC (13-14-6, 45 points) dropped a 4-1 decision on Wednesday night to Inter Miami CF (14-13-6, 48 points) at DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale. With the loss, the Lions fell to eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, now presented with a win-and-in scenario for Sunday’s Decision Day fixture against Columbus Crew SC.
The defeat snapped a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions against City’s neighbors to the south, dating back to the start of the 2021 campaign, while Designated Player Facundo Torres set the Club’s single-season goal contributions record with his 12th assist of the year to add to his 12 goals to put his total at 24, breaking Nani’s single-season record of 23 set in 2019.
Torres’ assist came on a goal from Ercan Kara, who tallied his 12th across all competitions after entering the match as a halftime substitute.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Well, we understand the importance of this game, a rivalry, derby and we know what this kind of game means to the fans. We’re pretty disappointed not to perform the way we should. In that part, I take the responsibility. I felt we couldn’t recover today as well and then, after these couple days, we couldn’t get our energy back. After that, everything just came down. The first minute we concede a goal and our reactions were late but the boys have done a great job through the season, they have the [opportunity] to get into the playoffs at home. It’s on our shoulders, it’s our responsibility, we don’t need to wait on any results. We’ll fight for that. We’re going to fight for this jersey on Sunday at home.”
Scoring Recap:
1′ Leonardo Campana (Robert Taylor) – MIA 1, ORL 0
Inter Miami got on the board just seconds into the match, with Robert Taylor forcing a turnover by the Lions at midfield with the deflection finding a running Leonardo Campana in behind the defense, who was able to chip it over top for the early lead.
38′ Gonzalo Higuaín (Ariel Lassiter, Indiana Vassilev) – MIA 2, ORL 0
The Herons doubled their lead with Indiana Vassilev finding Ariel Lassiter over top on the right wing, who whipped in a cross to Gonzalo Higuaín at the far post for the finish.
52′ Gonzalo Higuaín (Penalty Kick) – MIA 3, ORL 0
Miami netted their third of the night after the officials deemed a handball in the area by Lions defender Ruan. Gonzalo Higuaín then stepped to the spot, sending City goalkeeper Pedro…
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