Sports

Orlando City falls 3-1 to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in Leagues Cup 2023

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2023

Orlando City's Iván Angulo #77 and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi #10 battle for possession of the ball at the DRV PNK Stadium, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

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.”

See event photos at Florida National News Facebook page

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Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

Published

3 days ago

July 27, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Sunday that offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the team continues preparations for training camp.

Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.

The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.

DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.

The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.

Sports

Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

Published

3 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

Orlando Pride 3
Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.

Sports

Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks

Published

3 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

FNN SPORTS

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.

In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’

HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”

Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami

Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.

His résumé includes:

2021 NBA Champion
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
2021 NBA Finals MVP
2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
10-time NBA All-Star
Seven All-NBA First Team selections
Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.

He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.

Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.

Portis Adds Championship Experience

Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.

Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.

Heat Part Ways with Core Players

The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.

Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.

Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.

Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.

Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.

Championship Expectations Rise

The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.