Orlando City needed something positive after a 2-1 loss on opening day, but the Lions could not find a way past Inter Miami as they fell 4-2.
The Lions took a 2-0 lead into halftime but imploded in the second half for a second defeat in as many games to start the season.
“Very competitive game, as always, against Miami, I thought our first half tactically, and the boys did a great job,” said Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja. “In the second half, we got unorganized, especially in that last third, where Miami is lethal. You cannot give those spaces. We knew [that], and we conceded.”
Orlando opened the scoring in the 18th minute after the Lions pounced on a defensive mistake from Miami. Ivan Angulo jumped on the turnover before passing the ball into the box for Marco Pasalic to fire home to give Orlando the 1-0 lead.
Martin Ojeda made it 2-0 in the 24th minute with an assist from Griffin Dorsey. The two played off each other well in the box, opening up the chance for Ojeda to get the ball past Dayne St. Clair.
Miami pulled one back in the 49th minute thanks to halftime substitute Mateo Silvetti. An Orlando turnover gave Miami the ball at the top of the box, and Silvetti’s shot made it past the outstretched arms of Maxime Crepeau to make it 2-1.
Lionel Messi added a second for Miami with another goal from outside the box in the 57th minute. Orlando left him just enough space to fire off a shot through traffic and into the back of the net to draw level at 2-2.
A turnover from David Brekalo gave Miami the chance to take the lead in the 85th minute, and they did not waste it. German Berterame brought the ball into the box before laying a pass to Telasco Segovia, who buried it for a 3-2 lead.
Miami put the final nail in the coffin with a second goal from Messi in the 90th minute. His free kick went over the wall and past Crepeau to seal the deal at 4-2.