Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Inter Miami made easy work of Orlando City as Gonzalo Higuain put in another Man of the Match performance after announcing that this season would be his last. It was the top three goal scorers for Miami who powered them home as Higuain, Ariel Lassiter and Leo Campana all finished the game with their names on the score sheet.
It did not take long for the Herons to make their mark as Robbie Taylor would deflect a pass and make it a one-on-one race between Campana and out pace the Orlando centerback Schlegal then on his first touch is able to perfectly chip it over Gallese. The goal being his 11th of the season.
Miami did not take their foot off the gas as in the 38th minute they would work a wonderful team goal. All starting from Indiana Vassilev who’s over the top ball would fall into the path of Lassiter who lofted it to the back post and it would be the man in form Higuian who only needed one touch to slot it home and give Miami the 2-0 lead going into half.
After an unfortunate bounce off of the hand of Orlando City’s fullback Ruan, would give Miami a Penalty in the 52nd minute. After a brief VAR review it would be Higuian to step up and slot home the PK. The goal being Higuin’s 16th on the season and his 7th in the last five games.
Miami would put the finishing touch on the game just five minutes later as Lassiter would take the ball from right outside the halfway line and make a run all the way down to the edge of the box where he would hit it low and hard into the bottom right of the goal giving the keeper no chance.
Orlando would get a consolation as the Austrian international Ercan Kara would take a first time shot that almost seemed to catch Miami goalie Drake Callender off guard. The ball seemed to be moving in slow motion but it found the bottom left corner but it would not matter as Maimi would hold on and claim all three points.
A huge win for the Herons who with this win clinched a spot into the MLS playoffs. A truly incredible feat considering how slow this team came out of the gate. It took making DRV PNK Stadium a fortress as they took 32 points from its last 13 home games. From top to bottom this team has really turned it on and will look to keep this momentum into the playoffs.
Inter Miami
Orlando City SC
