Back to It
Orlando City returns to MLS regular season action for the first time since July 20 after drawing fellow Eastern Conference side Philadelphia 1-1 in its Group A finale at the MLS is Back Tournament. The Lions went unbeaten through their three group stage matches at ESPN Wide World of Sports, with victories over Saturday’s opposition in Inter Miami, as well as 2015 expansion rivals NYCFC in that span.
The Florida Derby
Another chapter in the reincarnation of the Florida Derby takes place on Saturday, with the Lions taking the first by a score of 2-1 at the MLS is Back Tournament opener on July 8. Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a finish from Juan Agudelo, but City leveled in the 70th off the foot of Chris Mueller. The difference came in second half stoppage time, with Nani netting a 97th minute game-winner to give the Lions the victory in their first Florida Derby.
Building the Foundation
The Lions come into Saturday’s match fresh off their run to the Final of the MLS is Back Tournament, their first appearance in a cup final in the MLS era surpassing last year’s run to the Semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Throughout the course of the competition, City defeated four playoff sides from a year ago, including 2019 Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC and a Minnesota United side that earned their first playoff berth in club history in 2019.
Earned Accolades
Following the MLS is Back Tournament, three Orlando City players were named to the competition’s Best XI in defenders João Moutinho and Ruan, along with Nani. The Lions’ captain earned seven goal contributions throughout the tournament to lead the side with three goals and four assists to his credit. Moutinho and Ruan were instrumental to an Orlando City backline that conceded just seven goals throughout the tournament, while each defender also recorded an assist in the competition. Moutinho also netted the 90th-minute tying goal against LAFC to force a penalty shootout eventually won by the Lions.
The No. 10
Orlando City midfielder Mauricio Pereyra played a pivotal role in the Lions’ run to the MLS is Back Tournament Final, netting his first two goals in purple throughout the competition. The first came on July 20 to level the side against Philadelphia, with the latter serving as City’s lone finish in the Final against Portland. While the numbers don’t replicate his impact on paper, Peryera’s persistent counterpress in the midfield was critical to the Lions’ success throughout the tournament.
