Orlando City plays Inter Miami, without Messi, to a 0-0 draw
In the match between Orlando City and Inter Miami at the Inter&Co Stadium, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese managed to keep a clean sheet for the second time this season by making three saves. The game ended in a 0-0 draw.
The outcome has led to Orlando City still maintaining their unbeaten record against Inter Miami (with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses, and 5 draws) at their home stadium. Orlando has had a tough time at home this season, with only 1 win, 3 losses, and 3 draws in their 12 matches so far (with a record of 3 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws overall).
The Herons' winning streak of five came to an end with the draw. Inter Miami (8-2-4) was hoping to achieve the feat of winning six consecutive regular-season games in the same season, which only two other teams have accomplished since 2019.
Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, was forced to sit out due to a left leg injury that wasn't specified. This means he hasn't played a match in Major League Soccer in Orlando yet. Although he played for the entirety of a game on Saturday, he experienced a scare during the first half when he had to briefly step out due to a problem with his left knee. This occurred after getting fouled by defender George Campbell.
In the recent game, the goalkeeper of the Herons, Drake Callender, managed to prevent three shots on goal, thus securing his second consecutive match without conceding a goal this season.
Despite the Herons having the majority of possessions with 58.7%, the Lions managed to take 14 shots towards the goal, while Inter Miami only took seven.
Luis Suarez, who netted two goals in a previous match against Orlando, had a chance to score within the first three minutes but was denied by Gallese.
During the 32nd minute, Callender executed a spectacular diving maneuver to prevent Ojeda’s attempt from reaching the goal, resulting in the score remaining at zero.
According to Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja, the game was very balanced and both teams had the opportunity to win. He felt that throughout the game, his team also had their chances, and they even had a feeling that they could have won. However, the game was tight for both teams and the players put in an extraordinary effort. Pareja is satisfied with his team's performance and believes they are heading in the right direction. They were up against a strong team that had good momentum, but they could have come away with a win on the day.
The upcoming game for the Orlando City team is on its way. The Lions will be flying all the way to San Jose, California, to go up against the Earthquakes this Saturday at 10:30 pm.
