Inter Miami CF opened their new home stadium in style Saturday night, defeating Orlando City SC, 3-2, for their first Major League Soccer win.
Julian Carranza hit for an arm strike and Rodolfo Pizarro had a goal and an assist when Inter Miami avenged a loss to their Florida rivals in the opening game of the MLS’s Back Tournament last month.
Carranza opened the scoring in the 12th minute on a quick counter after a turnaround in midfield, taking a touch in the pocket of a Pizarro feed and hitting Pedro Gallese in the far post.
Daryl Dike responded with his first MLS goal six minutes later to level for the Lions. The striker drove into the box and followed the handball of his first saved shot and a second blocked attempt with a deflected attempt past Luis Robles.
Carranza’s second MLS goal came five minutes later, knocking on a long cross from Ben Sweat and hooking his late attempt over the goal and in from just inside the box.
Pizarro struck a 30 meter free kick home 49 minutes into the match. 4 – 0 for the home team. .
A powerful header from Nani at the back post after joining a Chris Mueller cross gave Orlando City late life. But Inter Miami held off the excitement and celebrated a historic first win.
Goals
- 12 ‘- MIA – Julian Carranza | WATCH
- 18 ‘- ORL – Daryl Dike | WATCH
- 23 ‘- MIA – Julian Carranza | WATCH
- 49 ‘- MIA – Rodolfo Pizarro | WATCH
- 80 ‘- ORL – Nani | WATCH
Three things
- THE BIG PHOTO: They would win a first win MLS every way they could get it, but after five defeats of one goal, to take three points in a win with one goal certainly makes it softer. And that it comes up against an Orlando City squad that was late in defeating them at MLS is Back? Yes, all feelings.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: There were MLS goals at first, but the nod goes to Pizarro for a goal that eventually became the winner, but more so for a unique celebration that is truly a sign of our time.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Carranza made the most of his start, scoring his first two MLS goals to set the tone on the historic night of Inter Miami CF.
Next Up
- MIA: Wednesday 26 August vs. Atlanta United (8 pm ET | TSN2 in Canada; MLS LIVE on ESPN + in US)
- OFL: Wednesday 26 August vs. Nashville SC (19:30 ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN +, on DAZN in Canada)
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