1. Just four days removed from a dramatic win on the road, Orlando City SC battled against the top team in the east, playing to a scoreless draw against Inter Miami CF at INTER&Co Stadium.
2. The match marked the first time the high-powered Miami offense was held off the scoresheet since back on March 23, when they lost 4-0 to the New York Red Bulls. It's also Miami's first draw since April 6. For a team that leads the league in goals, it's quite a feat for the Lions to keep them from finding the back of the net.
3. On the Orlando side of things, it's the team's first clean sheet since, funny enough, also March 23, when the Lions beat Austin FC 2-0. It was a much-needed defensive performance from the Orlando backline, which has struggled over the last month with conceding goals. The back three of David Brekalo, Wilder Cartagena and Rodrigo Schlegel played as a solid collective, with each breaking up the majority of chances for the Ft. Lauderdale side.
4. Also noteworthy with the defense is the performance of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who came up with a very big, very early stop on Luis Suarez. After the Peruvian had a shaky start to the season, he controlled his box well tonight and ended up with three saves on the night. Not only that, but the keeper was given the captain's armband with Robin Jansson out. A good step in the right direction for Pedro.
5. The formation shift for this Lions team continues to help create chances offensively. Over the last two games, Orlando has created 23 chances, with 13 of those coming tonight. If they can find consistency in putting away those chances, they may be able to replicate their late-season offensive success from last season.
6. After picking up a yellow card tonight, midfielder César Araújo will be suspended for Saturday's game due to yellow card accumulation. It's a blow to the Lions' midfield that is already deploying Wilder in defense, which could force Head Coach Oscar Pareja to shift his tactics heading into the weekend.
7. Orlando City B forward Yutaro Tsukada's debut was very quick but very poignant. He came into the game during second-half stoppage time. He almost found the game-winner with the last kick of the game. The MLS SuperDraft pick has three goals and three assists with OCB so far this year and has been a pivotal player with the MLS NEXT Pro side.
8. With Tsukada's debut, it marked the third MLS SuperDraft pick that played in the match, along with Duncan McGuire and Jack Lynn. The pro pathway from college to MLS continues to be strong for the Lions.
9. It's yet another short turnaround for Orlando as the team flies out tomorrow to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes on Saturday, May 18. That match will kick off at 10:30 p.m. ET out at PayPal Stadium in California.
