Sports
Orlando City falls 3-1 to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in Leagues Cup 2023
Published
3 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTSFT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Orlando City SC saw its Leagues Cup 2023 play come to an end, falling 3-1 to intrastate rival Inter Miami CF on Wednesday night at DRV PNK Stadium. With that, the Lions will see 17 days before their next match, traveling to face Chicago Fire FC on Aug. 20 when the team resumes MLS regular season play.
After falling down 1-0 early in the game, Orlando City responded with a goal through midfielder César Araújo, his second across all competitions. However, after entering the locker room tied at 1-1, Inter Miami found two goals in the second half, including a controversial penalty kick goal that proved to be the game-winner.
In the 72nd minute, Lionel Messi scored the final goal defeating Orlando City 3-1 at the DRV PNK Stadium, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
The rivalry match was slated to kick off at 8 p.m. ET, however faced a lengthy weather delay during warmups, with the ball eventually rolling at 9:35 p.m. ET.
“We weren’t sharp enough up front, probably could have been more aggressive when we had the ball. And we’re going to take the blame and in our team,” said Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja. “We couldn’t score and then they open the scoring in the first half and [again] in the second half very early. We could have avoided that but, honestly, we are very disappointed with the game [being decided] in two places… I think it’s clear that the rivalry [with Inter Miami] is going to be wider and better, and we’re ready to do it. We will continue and obviously, the [regular] season is there.”
Scoring Summary:
7’ Lionel Messi (Robert Taylor) – MIA 1, ORL 0
Miami struck first, just seven minutes into the game, as Robert Taylor carried the ball just outside the top right corner of the Lions’ box before lobbing it behind the line for Lionel Messi who slid it home for the opener.
17’ César Araújo – ORL 1, MIA 1
The Lions equalized 10 minutes later off a corner kick won from a Mauricio Pereyra free kick. Pereyra played the corner low to Iván Angulo for a shot on goal. Miami’s Drake Callender stopped the shot, but the rebound César Araújo who fired home the equalizer.
51’ Josef Martínez (Penalty Kick) – MIA 2, ORL 1
Miami took the lead back shortly into the second half after a controversial penalty call, which did not receive a VAR review. Miami forward Josef Martínez stepped up, stutter-stepped and hit it low to Pedro Gallese’s right for the goal.
72’ Lionel Messi (Josef Martínez) – MIA 3, ORL 1
Miami extended their lead in the 72nd minute with a cross that found its way to Josef Martínez at the far post, where the goal scorer turned provider for Lionel Messi. Martínez chipped the ball back to Messi just outside the six-yard box and fired it home for his second of the night.
“I think we’re doing well, above all else winning, which is a good place to start. We’re getting better at circulating the ball with each passing game, and more clinical at the top end of the pitch,” said Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “If we solidify the defensive end a bit – I see growth in this aspect – and we can guarantee clean sheets, we’ll have great chances for the players from midfield forward to score goals every match.”
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games
Published
2 days agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNew affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.
The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.
“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.
$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs
The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.
The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.
Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.
Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7
The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.
Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.
“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.
Merchandise Deals Start at $15
The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.
Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.
SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation
The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.
According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.
Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans
Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.
“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers
Published
2 days agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.
Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.
“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”
Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority
Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.
The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.
“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.
Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.
“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.
Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.
“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.
Pass protection needs improvement
Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.
“The communication has got to be better,” he said.
Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.
He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.
“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.
Diaby, Bain among injury concerns
Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.
“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”
Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.
Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.
Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.
Packers present an explosive offensive challenge
Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.
“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”
Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.
Defense shows progress
Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.
He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.
Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.
“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.
Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround
Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.
“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”
Central Florida News
USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green
Published
4 days agoon
September 29, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.
Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.
That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.
D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.
Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.
Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.
USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.
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