Inter Miami Set for Preseason Rivalry Against Orlando City SC
It’s Miami’s last preseason tune-up before the games start for real
The preseason is coming to a close for Inter Miami with a rivalry match against Orlando City SC. While these are called friendlies, this Florida derby will be a friendly in name only. These teams play tight fixtures, and Inter Miami will kick off Concacaf Champions Cup play on Tuesday against Sporting Kansas City. This match will help prepare for that and the MLS season kicking off on February 22nd as the start draws near.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday, Feb. 14
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
Storylines
Inter Miami: Rolling through an unbeaten preseason, the Herons’ attack has been performing better with each match, allowing only one goal in their last three games. While this will be a tougher test against a familiar opponent, the preseason has exceeded manager Javier Mascherano’s expectations. Despite aging stars like Messi and Suarez, Miami looks hard to stop if their preseason form is any indication.
Orlando City SC: After reaching the Eastern Conference finals last season, there are high expectations for Orlando. Their defense has shown strength during the preseason but will benefit from facing Inter Miami ahead of their MLS regular season opener against the Philadelphia Union.
Prediction
This match is likely to be closely contested, but having Messi on the pitch could be the deciding factor in favor of Inter Miami. Pick: Inter Miami 2, Orlando City 1
