MIAMI — Inter Miami CF lost its first match at Nu Stadium 4-3 against in-state rival Orlando City SC after blowing a 3-1 halftime lead Saturday.
The match started with immediate pressure from Miami, leading to a goal in the fourth minute from Ian Fray. It was a header into the top right corner after a precise pass from Telasco Segovia.
After the opening goal, Miami kept up the pressure, leading to a big chance missed by Germán Berterame, who scuffed his shot wide of the far post.
At the 15-minute mark, the game cooled down, with Miami maintaining control as it looked for a second goal.
After a bad pass by Orlando, Lionel Messi got the ball near the halfway line and was fouled by Robin Jansson near the edge of the box. Jansson received a yellow card for the challenge, giving Miami a dangerous free kick. Messi’s shot was saved by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau.
The follow-up shot by Rodrigo De Paul was also saved by Crépeau, leading to a corner in Miami’s favor.
Inter Miami scored its second goal in the 25th minute after Messi found Segovia for an easy tap-in into an empty net. That gave Segovia a goal to go with his assist and gave Messi his first assist of the match.
It was total domination by Miami in the inaugural Florida derby at Nu Stadium, limiting Orlando to a single shot and 32% possession through 30 minutes.
Who else but Messi to give Miami a third first-half goal, as he took on Orlando defenders before firing a shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner. Luis Suárez was credited with the assist.
The second yellow card of the match went to Orlando City’s Adrián Marín after he fouled Suárez.
Minutes later, Orlando City got on the scoresheet in the 39th minute after a strike from outside the box by Martín Ojeda, marking just the team’s second shot of the match.
Orlando’s 18-year-old forward Justin Ellis recorded his second MLS assist of the season after holding up play for Ojeda.
After the first 45 minutes, a minimum of six minutes was added before the halftime whistle.
Right before halftime, Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair received a yellow card for time-wasting.
The half ended with Miami ahead 3-1, with Messi and Segovia each recording a goal and an assist.
The second half started with Inter Miami playing more conservatively, holding on to its 3-1 lead.
The first yellow card of the second half went to Miami’s Yannick Bright for a foul on Eduard Atuesta.
After 60 minutes, the pace of the match slowed, with Miami controlling possession. De Paul also received a yellow card for dissent.
Miami’s first substitution of the half came in the 65th minute, as Fray came off for Facundo Mura.
After a quiet start to the second half, Orlando shocked Nu Stadium with a second goal by Ojeda, making it 3-2 in the 68th minute.
After Orlando’s second goal, Suarez was replaced by Tadeo Allende.
Five minutes later, Orlando nearly scored the equalizer after an Inter Miami giveaway, but St. Clair made a crucial save.
The momentum completely shifted in favor of Orlando after its equalizer, as Inter Miami found itself defending its lead with 15 minutes remaining.
After an Orlando corner, the referee pointed to the penalty spot following a foul in the box by defender Maximiliano Falcón.
Messi received a yellow card for dissent.
Ojeda converted from the penalty spot, completing his hat trick and tying the match.
Inter Miami went into full attack mode after Orlando equalized, trying to avoid a fourth straight home draw.
The match entered the 90th minute tied 3-3, with a minimum of eight minutes added.
Inter Miami continued to look for a winner through Messi, but Orlando sat back whenever Miami had possession.
In the 93rd minute, Orlando City shocked Chase Stadium with a go-ahead goal by Tyrese Spicer, giving it a 4-3 lead and completing the comeback after trailing 3-1 at halftime.
Moments later, Messi was fouled near the edge of Orlando’s six-yard box, giving Miami a dangerous free kick with a chance to equalize.
Messi’s free kick grazed the top of the net.
Crépeau received a yellow card for delaying the restart.
The referee blew the final whistle as Miami lost its first match at Nu Stadium, ending its 11-game unbeaten streak.
Inter Miami now goes four games without a win at Nu Stadium.
Miami generated three expected goals, while Orlando totaled 1.91. Miami also dominated possession with 64% but struggled against the counterattack, where Orlando scored the majority of its goals.
The Herons look to get back on the winning side as they go on the road to face off against Toronto FC on May 9 at 1 p.m.
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