Orlando
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami CF: Florida Derby Ends in 1-1 Draw
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Orlando City hosted regional rivals Inter Miami CF in a midweek MLS clash. Exploria Stadium filled out with 17,966 attendants for the clash. Both Florida teams are desperate for points at this stage in the season to ensure their status in the Eastern Conference, tying the game at 1-1.
The opening minutes were filled with moments of frustration for both sides. Inter Miami’s midfield trio of Matuidi, Gregore and Ulloa did well to disrupt play. However, Inter Miami were unable to capitalize on those moments due to their deeply entrenched backline. Orlando City had clearer chances on goal with a headed strike from Nani. Moments later, Andres Perea had a shot go clear over the top bar after a rebound.
The first half continued as a chippy affair as both sides committed a fair share of fouls. Inter Miami opted to neutralize Orlando with their numbers in the back, but in turn it stifled their offensive creativity as they were never able to attack with numbers. Mauricio Pereyra’s shot on goal in the 36′ minute did well to keep fans engaged, but ultimately it wasn’t enough to tip the scales. The first half ended with 15 total fouls, 10 against Miami as Orlando only got called for five.
Right before the end of the first half, delight turned into despair for a quick moment. Immediately after making contact to head the ball in for Orlando City, Antonio Carlos clashed heads with Kelvin Leerdam and he subsequently lost consciousness in the moments after his goal. Luckily, Orlando City medical staff were able to get him back to his senses quickly. But that would mean the end of play for Antonio Carlos after a scary few minutes on the field.
Andres Perea (center left) and Junior Urso (center right) try to catch their teammate Antonio Carlos as he falls unconscious after a head collision with Inter Miami CF’s Kelvin Leerdam during Orlando City SC’s match against Inter Miami CF at Exploria Stadium Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
Turning Up the Heat
The second half saw Inter Miami come out with more urgency in front of goal. After a nice succession of moves from Robbie Robinson, he almost found the equalizer from a cheeky chip over Mason Stajduhar. Thankfully, Kyle Smith was able to slot in behind at the 11th hour and head away the strike.
The luck on defense would not continue for much longer. After some uninspired play in the midfield, Inter Miami found their glimmer of hope with a header. Former Arsenal and West Brom player Kieran Gibbs turned the tide for Miami as Orlando City’s keeper was left with little chance to react.
Orlando implemented their usual tactical substitutions in the second half in order to provide some variety in attack. But Inter Miami’s staunch defense combined with a lack of creativity in attack made it difficult. Just moments later, a Kyle Smith low cross into the box caused havoc for Nick Marsman.
Tesho Akindele was able to poach the ball while Marsman was still on the ground. It seemed like Orlando went up 2-1, but the goal was eventually ruled offside due to VAR replay.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.
Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.
Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Scottie Scheffler wins his second red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. Scheffler first won the API in 2022.
Scottie Scheffler wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
The number one ranked golfer in the world, Scheffler finished at 15 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 66 today. Wyndham Clark finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Kurt Kitayama, did not make the cut, this weekend, finishing 7 over par after the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday.
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for the 50th anniversary of The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
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