Inter Miami lose the Florida derby after squandering a three goal lead

Inter Miami 3 – 4 Orlando City SC

MIAMI, FL–A near capitulation in the second half saw an Inter Miami side concede three goals in a disastrous period of play that once again highlighted their defensive frailties. And it all started so well for the home side when they found themselves three goals to the good with little more than half an hour played.

Ian Fray met a wonderful, floated cross from Telasco Segovia in the opening minutes and buried the header past Maxime Crepeau, giving the home fans the dream start. It got better when Lionel Messi inspired some tight inter play in front of the Orlando goal. The Herons captain linked up with Luis Suarez to cut the ball back for Segovia who scored from a yard out. Messi then stepped up to produce some of his unique magic. His neat footwork opened up some space on the edge of the area, and he fired it past Crepeau for a memorable goal, giving Orlando a mountain to climb.

And it could have been more, but for another inspired goalkeeping performance. This time it was Crepeau that was the cause for much frustration as the big Canadian produced a number of huge saves to deny Inter–at one point making three saves in ten seconds.

And with five minutes until the break, the home team were cruising, but they got sloppy and left themselves wide open at the back. A simple defensive headed clearance completely undid their back line, allowing Martin Ojeda some room to shoot, and he gave his side a lifeline with a fine strike from distance. It was a lifeline his side grasped in some style.

From the moment Miami conceded a goal they started to look uneasy at the back and it felt like Orlando sensed it and took advantage. The second forty-five minutes was a turnaround from the first. And it was Ojeda that became the thorn in Miami’s side.

Miami started with their usual dominance and swagger, but Orlando stepped up and took the game to Miami. The home side started to wabble, and it was Ojeda that was again allowed too much time, and he punished them with another fabulous strike.

Crepeau was impressive between the sticks earlier in the match, but St. Claire was in equally good form when he made some vital stops to keep the score down.

But the front man got the last laugh when he completed his hattrick ten minutes later as the Miami defence fell apart and conceded a penalty. Maxi Falcone was adjudged to have fouled Iago Teodoro after they got into a wrestling match in the penalty area.

The Orlando number ten stepped up to beat St. Clair from the spot and complete an unbelievable comeback.

And as the clock ticked down and Miami pushed for a winner, it appeared that they would have to settle for another draw, but it got worse when they were undone again with a simple pass. A ball through the middle found second half substitute Tyrese Spicer and the winger ran directly at St. Clair and found the net to seal an unforgettable win.

It was a shocking result considering the way the game started. Miami will need to have a close look at their defensive performance to work out how they were so easily breached and why they can’t seem to keep a clean sheet.

Photos by Edwin Gomez

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