Sports
Orlando City falls 3-1 to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in Leagues Cup 2023
FT. 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.
Orlando City midfielder César Araújo (5) scores goal as Inter Miami Lionel Messi (10) looks in shock at the DRV PNK Stadium, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
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.”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
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