Miami, FL – “Party in the city where the heat is on…Welcome to Miami.” Orlando City SC takes on its fifth-place foes, Inter Miami CF. A win for the Lions can propel them into a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. A loss could have Messi results. Time to get “Jiggy with it” for the Match Week 13 preview.
“Everyday like a Mardi Gras, everybody party all day”
Both Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF have been scoring goals in the last three games. Miami has accumulated seven goals by six different players (Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Marcelo Weigandt, Fafa Picault, Tadeo Allende and Maximiliano Falcon) while Orlando has had 11 goals by six players as well (Gustavo Caraballo, Ramiro Enrique, Duncan McGuire, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, Martin Ojeda and Luis Muriel). While five of those goals for Orlando are attributed to the Lamar Hunt Cup race, both teams look extremely even heading into the matchup.
A short flight to Fort Lauderdale 🤙 pic.twitter.com/l0Oomlk5PM
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 17, 2025
“Temperature get to ya, it’s about to reach five-hundred degrees.”
There are two players that have been red hot lately, Lionel Messi for the Herons and Martin Ojeda for the Lions. Messi has scored two goals in the previous three contests. Ojeda, on the other hand, has amassed four goals in the same time span. Currently, Ojeda sits in 3rd place on the MLS goal scoring list (8), only two goals shy of the top spot held by Philadelphia’s Thai Baribo (10). While Orlando has had major contributions from Ojeda, Messi is deadly accurate. Heading into Match Week 14, Messi ranks fifth in shots on target (22). Not to mention, Miami is sitting in third place amongst all teams with 29 assists.
“Ay Papi”
What will Orlando Coach Oscar Pareja do? If Eduard Atuesta is out again, Cesar Araujo will need to step up. Atuesta brings a passing presence for the Lions that can be a game-changer. Araujo has shown glimpses of passing prowess; however, playing a powerhouse team like Miami requires precision. Also, expect Luis Muriel to contribute and provide a much-needed spark for the Lions. In OCSC’s previous game against Charlotte FC, Muriel could have scored four goals. Muriel looked sharp, on point and a shell of the player he was last season. The end result was Muriel finding the back of the net once and Orlando taking a commanding 3-1 victory over Charlotte.
About that time 🗽 pic.twitter.com/L7r8j5qhHP
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 16, 2025
“So, cash in your dough and flow to this fashion show”
The battle between both Florida teams will feel like the Super Bowl of the soccer community. A win for either team could move them into a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference. More importantly, if the Lions defeat the Herons, then Orlando would leapfrog over Miami in the rankings. Orlando currently sits in sixth place with 21 points while Miami is in fifth place with 22 points. Neither team wants to lose. All parties on the pitch have a lot on the line not to give maximum effort. This will be a battle.
“Can y’all feel that”
Expect Orlando to come out of the gates blazing. Marco Pasalic, the early-season leader in goals scored for the team, is due to score a goal or two. Ojeda has been sensational as of late; a ninth tally on the season will be in the cards. Muriel has also been on point. The Colombian forward looks like the player OCSC anticipated when he was signed last season. On the other hand, Miami is one of the best soccer teams in the MLS. Messi will somehow find the back of the net. Luis Suarez will also contribute to the Herons efforts. As the sun sets in South Beach, this game will define the season trajectory for the Lions.
𝐍𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭
Florida derby on deck ⏳ pic.twitter.com/YlEDpQZAIN
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 16, 2025
A late game winner seals the deal off the magical left boot of Marco Pasalic. Just like Chris Rock, Miami will get an unexpected slap in the face. The final, Orlando City SC- 3, Inter Miami CF- 2.
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