Orlando City vs. Inter Miami CF: Player Grades and Man of the Match

The Herons earned their first MLS win and in true 2020 fashion, it was against Orlando City. Same-day travel and first away game under the new pandemic guidelines, combined with a noticeable lack of sharpness, found the Lions chasing the match. While Nani’s 80th-minute goal gave everyone hope, in the end it wasn’t enough.

Starters

GK, Pedro Gallese, 5 — El Pulpo did what he could to keep Miami at bay, but was beaten three times. One crucial save wasn’t enough to keep the team from Fort Lauderdale from getting their first MLS win.

D, João Moutinho, 6 — Moutinho created a nice chance in the 68th minute when he sent a beautiful cross into the area but it was just a bit too far in front of Chris Mueller. He had a shot and did well to work with what he could.

D, Robin Jansson, 5 — The beefy Swede had a few nice clearances and prevented a corner kick late in the match. He committed three fouls. He mistimed his jump on the second goal, allowing the cross to reach Julian Carranza. Like many other players this match he didn’t seem to have the spark he usually does on the back line.

D, Antonio Carlos, 5 — I was impressed by Carlos during the MLS is Back Tournament but felt he left a bit to be desired in this match. He suffered three fouls and that’s about it for the defender.

D. Ruan, 5 — Ruan was the first name in the book for this match as he earned a yellow in the 31st minute. The rest of the night was a quiet one for Ruan as Miami worked really hard to shut him down and take away his super speed. He had a couple of decent crosses that didn’t connect and played a role in the buildup on Orlando’s second goal.

MF, Sebas Mendez, 5 — Mendez’s fancy pass attempt led to a turnover, resulting in Carranza’s game-opening goal in the 12th minute. Otherwise, he was mostly fine.

MF, Oriol Rosell, 6 — A quiet night for Uri found him subbed off in the 68th minute as Tesho Akindele came on in attempt to up the attacking power for Orlando.

MF, Júnior Urso, 5 — The Bear didn’t have his greatest showing in the opening half of the match. Urso didn’t come back in after the halftime break.

MF, Mauricio Pereyra, 6 — Pereyra had a hard time getting a clean touch throughout the match as Miami continued to tug and pull him until Matias Pellegrini was finally booked in the 62nd minute for one chop too many.

MF, Nani, 6.5 — The Lions finally got a Nani goal in the 80th minute off a cross from Mueller, after a nice, calm play from Daryl Dike. The captain had another chance in stoppage, hitting the woodwork from the right. He wasn’t able to will his team to the equalizer late in the match, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. In the end, he led the team in shots (5) and shots on goal (3)m and scored the goal that gave OCSC some hope.        

F, Daryl Dike, 7.5 (MotM) — Dike not only got his first start as a Lion, but also scored his first goal in purple as well, providing perhaps the highlight of the match in the 18th minute. Dike did well to stay with the ball in the area, despite a team of Miami defenders trying to bully him off the ball. A last-ditch effort resulted in the equalizer for the Lions, when he played like a veteran, holding off a defender and laying off to Mueller in the buildup to the second goal. With the goal, two of his three total shots on goal, and the hockey assist, Dike was my Man of the Match in what was his best outing as a pro so far.

Substitutes

F, Chris Mueller (46’), 6.5 — Cash Money Mueller came on at the half for Urso. In the first 30 seconds of the second half, Mueller had a chance at what looked like it would be the Lions’ second goal, nearly getting in behind alone, but the ball was knocked out for a corner. He created opportunities and made the defense work, nearly getting a goal on a sliding attempt. The Lions’ attack was more dynamic after the Money Badger entered.

F, Tesho Akindele (68’), 5 — Tesho came on for Uri Rosell in the 68th minute of the match. The game seemed to pick up once Tesho took the pitch, as the Lions were chasing a draw down by two. He had a decent cross that nearly set up Mueller, but didn’t manage a shot attempt in his 22 minutes.

F, Benji Michel (81’), N/A — Michel came on for Ruan in the 81st minute and didn’t have enough time to warrant a grade.

MF, Andres Perea (81’), N/A — Perea came on for Mendez in the 81st minute and didn’t have enough time to warrant a grade. .

MF, Robinho (90’), N/A — It has been a while since we saw Robinho. The Brazilian made his first appearance of the season for the Lions coming on for Mauricio Pereyra in the 90th minute. He had one shot in his one minute of play, so there’s that.

That’s how I saw it, anyway. Be sure to vote for your Man of the Match in the poll below.

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