Orlando City went on the road and claimed a huge three points against Inter Miami CF in Fort Lauderdale last night, winning 3-0. The Lions took advantage of Miami’s poor defending, getting behind the back line and scoring three times. It’s the club’s (Orlando City) first win against the South Florida team in over two years. Let’s take a look at how the individual Lions performed in this big win.
Starters
GK, Pedro Gallese, 8 (MotM) — Gallese was outstanding in this match, pivotal in keeping the Lions in the game and solidifying their lead. His two most notable saves were a spectacular one-handed stop on Lionel Messi in the 22nd minute and another crucial close-range save in the 62nd minute. The Lions’ top goalie faced four shots and earned his sixth clean sheet of the season, touching the ball 36 times, completing 58.6% of his 29 passes, and seven of his 19 long balls.His most significant contribution came in the 43rd minute when he provided an assist on Luis Muriel’s goal with a precise long ball. Overall, it was a stellar performance by Gallese.
D, David Brekalo, 6.5 — Brekalo played a more defensive role among the outside backs, allowing Alex Freeman to push forward. As a natural center back, he excelled defensively, contributing to the clean sheet. With 45 touches, he maintained an impressive passing rate of 90.9% from 22 passes. While he didn’t impact the offense much, his defensive efforts were commendable, finishing the game with two tackles, a blocked shot, an aerial duel won, and a team-high eight clearances.
D, Robin Jansson, 6.5 — Jansson faced significant pressure as Orlando City spent much of the game on the defensive. He recorded 35 touches, completing 66.7% of his 24 passes, including three successful long balls out of ten attempts. He remained focused on defense, recording a tackle, a blocked shot, and five clearances, contributing to a solid defensive performance alongside Schlegel.
D, Rodrigo Schlegel, 7 — Schlegel outperformed Jansson in this match as a center back. He had 30 touches and completed 89.5% of his 19 passes, though his lone long ball was unsuccessful. His defensive contributions stood out with two tackles, an interception, three clearances, a blocked shot, and two aerial duels won, demonstrating his solid presence in the backline.
D, Alex Freeman, 7 — Defensively, he contributed an interception, four clearances, two blocked shots, and won two aerial duels while primarily marking Jordi Alba.
Ivan Angulo, MF, 6 — Angulo just recorded 18 touches and completed 80% of his 10 passes, indicating a modest impact. Despite finishing his one long ball and making a crucial pass, he might have had a better chance to break free with an on-target shot. In the 61st minute, he blocked a shot and made two defensive tackles before Kyle Smith took his place.
As the more experienced of the two, Araujo had 52 touches and completed 85.7% of his 42 passes, including two good long balls and a crucial pass. He didn’t take any shots but was active defensively with a tackle, two clearances, a blocked shot, and two aerial duels won. MF, Cesar Araujo, 6.5 — Araujo and his fellow defensive midfielders were crucial to the club’s (Orlando City) success.
MF, Joran Gerbet, 7 — The rookie successfully defended against Messi and had a commendable performance overall. He recorded 47 touches and achieved a passing accuracy of 90.9% from 33 passes, registering two key passes and one long ball. Though he didn’t take any shots, his defensive output included three tackles, an interception, four clearances, a blocked shot, and winning an aerial duel.
MF, Marco Pasalic, 6.5 — Pasalic had 33 touches and completed 68.4% of his 19 passes. He capitalized on a bit of luck in the 53rd minute when a cross from Martin Ojeda deflected to him, leading to a well-taken shot that ended up in the net after a mistake from Oscar Ustari. While not a highlight-reel goal, it was crucial for the team. He also contributed defensively with an interception before being substituted by Dagur Dan Thorhallsson in the 70th minute.
F, Luis Muriel, 7.5 — Muriel had a strong game with 35 touches and 78.6% accuracy on his 14 passes, which included two key passes and his only cross. He was clinical in front of goal, scoring on a breakaway in the 43rd minute to give the Lions the lead. He recorded two shots on target, along with a tackle, a blocked shot, and won an aerial duel before being replaced by Enrique in the 70th minute.
F, Martin Ojeda, 6.5 — Ojeda had a good outing, touching the ball 37 times and completing 68.2% of his passes. His contributions were important, as he helped generate offensive opportunities and also supported the defense when needed. Overall, he had a solid performance in the team’s(Orlando City) success.
