Two weeks after dispatching Atlanta United for the first time (in pretty comfortable fashion, at that), Orlando struck a decisive blow against new southern neighbors Inter Miami, riding a classic Mauricio Pereyra performance and a good bit of steel to a 2-1 victory in both Saturday’s game and the season series between the two clubs.
Miami have shown a willingness to play in the mud in their first season under Diego Alonso, comfortably leading the league in fouls conceded at nearly 17 per game. The visitors came in determined to chop up the game, taking four yellow cards and making several more borderline tactical fouls, including one from Nico Figal on Nani that led directly to Orlando’s first goal.