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Inter Miami vs Orlando City

The rivalry between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC has quickly become one of the most anticipated matchups in Major League Soccer (MLS) since Inter Miami joined the league in 2020. As the only two MLS teams in Florida, Inter Miami and Orlando City have a natural geographic rivalry, but their competitive history has added extra intensity to the derby clash.

Background of the Teams

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF is the newest team in MLS, having started play in 2020 as the league's 25th franchise. The team is owned by English football legend David Beckham, who had the right to start an MLS expansion franchise as part of his contract when he joined the LA Galaxy in 2007. Inter Miami plays its home games in Fort Lauderdale until its permanent stadium in Miami is completed.

In their inaugural 2020 season, Inter Miami finished 10th in the Eastern Conference and did not qualify for the playoffs. The team is still in the process of building its identity and rabid supporter culture. Inter Miami has brought in several famous European veterans like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi as it aims to be competitive quickly and make the leap to MLS Cup contenders.

Orlando City SC

Orlando City has been in MLS since 2015 after spending several years in the lower divisions of American soccer. The team plays its home games at Exploria Stadium and is known for having an extremely passionate fanbase that creates a raucous atmosphere.

Orlando City had early success in MLS, making the playoffs in its first season. But the team has yet to win any trophies in MLS and has often been stuck towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Orlando City hopes that the recent hiring of head coach Oscar Pareja will lead to an upturn in the team's fortunes.

Notable Matches So Far

2020 Regular Season Meetings

Inter Miami and Orlando City first met as MLS opponents on July 8, 2020 in Orlando. It was Inter Miami's first ever game against an in-state rival in MLS and ended in a tense 2-1 win for the home side.

They met again on August 22, 2020 at Inter Miami's temporary home in Fort Lauderdale. This time, Orlando City smashed the home team 4-1 to assert their initial dominance in the rivalry.

2021 Playoff Meeting

The two Florida teams met for the first time in the playoffs in 2021, when Orlando City hosted Inter Miami in the first round. With a raucous crowd spurring them on, Orlando City advanced with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win over the two-legged tie.

The lopsided result showed that Inter Miami still had a ways to go to be competitive with their in-state foes and left a bitter taste that fueled the rivalry leading into 2022.

What's at Stake in 2022?

Fight for Florida Supremacy

The geographic proximity and status as the only two MLS teams in Florida means inherent pride and bragging rights anytime these teams meet. With both teams still seeking their first MLS Cup playoff win, claiming in-state supremacy takes on added importance.

Inter Miami wants to show that it is closing the gap after Orlando City dominated the first two seasons of the rivalry. Earning a result at Exploria Stadium would show that Inter Miami is ready to contend with the league's top teams.

Eastern Conference Positioning

In the competitive Eastern Conference, every result takes on added significance. Heading into the August 2022 matchup, Inter Miami sits just three points behind Orlando City for the seventh and final playoff spot.

With both teams squarely on the playoff bubble, any head-to-head matchup could end up deciding who makes the playoffs and who falls short. Beyond just positional standings, the matches also impact the potential tie-breaking scenarios.

MLS Coach of the Year Race

The August contest comes right in the middle of a heated MLS Coach of the Year race between Inter Miami's Phil Neville and Orlando City's Oscar Pareja. Both coaches have engineered impressive turnarounds after disappointing 2021 seasons.

The manager who can lead their team to a win in this nationally televised rivalry clash will get a major boost in their Coach of the Year credentials. Beyond just this season, the long-term upper hand in the rivalry could come down to which coach best navigates these critical early years.

Key Players

Inter Miami CF

Gonzalo Higuain - The star striker will be counted on to deliver goals and talent up top. He has adapted well to MLS but is still seeking a defining moment in the rivalry.

Alejandro Pozuelo - If the talented midfielder is healthy for this matchup, he could be the creative force to unlock Orlando's stingy defense.

Gregore - The Brazilian defensive midfielder will be tasked with shutting down dangerous Orlando attackers. His presence allows Inter Miami's attacking players to thrive.

Orlando City SC

Facundo Torres - The young DP winger from Uruguay already looks like one of the steals of the 2022 season with his pace, dribbling, and scoring ability.

Ercan Kara - The Austrian striker has provided valuable hold-up play and a physical presence, but Inter Miami will aim to limit his scoring chances.

Antonio Carlos - The center back will marshal Orlando City's defense and look to neutralize Inter Miami's dynamic attackers.

Prediction

This rivalry matchup is too close to call with both teams evenly matched in the standings. Possession and scoring chances could be hard to come by against these solid defensive teams. But a moment of magic from one of the talented attackers could be the difference.

With both teams desperately needing a result for their playoff hopes, the match will come down to who wants it more. The hostile environment in Exploria Stadium and Orlando's slightly more talented squad gives them a slight edge. But look for Inter Miami to put up a fight as they aim for their first win on the road against their rivals.

Prediction: Orlando City 2-1 Inter Miami

The first victory in Orlando against their in-state foes would announce Inter Miami's arrival as legitimate playoff contenders, while a win for the home side would preserve their status as the top team in Florida. No matter the result, this intense rivalry matchup will add another chapter to what is becoming one of the most hotly contested derbies in MLS.