Inter Miami claimed a dramatic win over in-state rivals Orlando City on Saturday night thanks to a stoppage time header from Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
The Herons took home the bragging rights from the latest Sunshine Clasico after coming from behind thanks to an own goal from Robin Jansson and Gonzalez Pirez’s late effort.
Miami was without supserstar striker Gonzalo Higuain for this one after the Argentine was sent off following the final whistle last time out, but Inter still managed to come through, picking up a vital win in their late run for the playoffs.
It looked as though Orlando would continue its good form when a long ball over the top saw Nicolas Figal bullied off the ball by the powerful Daryl Dike, who shook off his Inter Miami counterpart and slotted him to hand the visitors the lead.
But after a shaky first 15 minutes or so, Inter grew into the game and then some, hammering on the Orlando door for much of the first half until they found an equaliser on the stroke of half time.
Blaise Matuidi took aim as the clock ticked towards 45 only for his shot – which was heading wide – to be deflected home by Jansson.
. @MATUIDIBlaise giving us the first @CaptainMorganUS goal celebration of the match. ?? pic.twitter.com/pfAA3mcljP
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 24, 2020
A fortunate goal for Miami, but one it clearly deserved having pressed heavily for a goal after going behind early on.
The Herons continued their pressure after the game, Julian Carranza hitting the crossbar from a close range header.
And that proved to be the tale of the afternoon in the most part, Inter left frustrated by their efforts in front of goal.
But with three minutes remaining, a save at the other end from John McCarthy seemed to give Alonso’s men the lift they needed.
Substitute Benji Michel thought he had won it for the visitors when he hammered a loose ball towards goal from less than six yards, but somehow, McCarthy – still deputising for starting keeper Luis Robles – managed to dive across goal and keep the ball out.
A real let off for Inter who were determined to make the most of the near escape.
With a minute left on the clock, Gonzalez Pirez sent the limited number of fans present at Fort Lauderdale absolutely wild with a powerful close range header following a wicked delivery from Lewis Morgan.
#InterMiamiCF me lo confirmo! ? pic.twitter.com/j4PJAVw94F
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 24, 2020
A dramatic derby win and a huge win for Miami which now gives itself a real chance of making the playoffs with three games remaining.
The Herons are now 10th, locked on the same number of points as Chicago Fire, who do have a game in-hand.
Just three games remain for Alonso’s men, who now have every chance of making it into the top 10 in their inaugural MLS season.
