Inter Miami vs. Orlando City score, highlights: David Ruiz puts Messi-less Miami up, 1-0

Inter Miami is going to need all the help they can get if they hope to reach the MLS playoffs. Just six games remaining, but fortunately for them, heading into their contest tonight against Orlando City SC, they are only six points out with three games in hand on ninth-place New York City.

Since Messi arrived in South Beach, the club has gone an astounding 9-1-4, with the lone loss coming against Atlanta on September 16. Messi did not play in that game. The club has still yet to lose with Messi in uniform.

Orlando City, meanwhile, is 3-1-1 since they last played Miami on August 2. Messi was the difference in that game though, a 3-1 Miami victory. He netted two goals in that match. Without Messi, Miami could have a much tougher time getting the better of the Lions.

Centre back Antonio Carlos is questionable for Orlando City as well, having missed the team’s last six matches. Both Adam Grinwis and Favian Loyola are out. The Lions are currently second place in the Eastern Conference, twelve points back of Cincinnati.

Orlando City SC Goal, Duncan McGuire (66′): Orlando finally gets on the scoresheet

After tons of shot attempts and chances on net, McGuire finally breaks through with a shot between the legs of Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender. McGuire’s ninth goal of the season couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, as the momentum shifts back to Orlando’s favor. They’ve dominated opportunities and time of possession. They couldn’t afford to let Miami gain any more confidence. We’re all tied up at 1.

Rodrigo Schlegel yellow card (59′)

Following a terrific save by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, an attempted clear led to a hard fight for the ball between Leo Campana and Schlegel led to Campana falling to the ground. Schlegel has been fighting hard all game, and that ferocious play finally caught up to him. That’s Orlando’s second yellow card in five minutes.

Facundo Torres Shot on Target (48′)

From outside the box, Orlando City’s leading scorer, Torres, lets loose and nearly hits twine. A nice save from Drake Callender keeps it tied.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City halftime score, update:

Although there were several scoring opportunities throughout the first half, the score remains knotted at 0-0. Orlando City has dominated early on with constant pressure in the attacking zone, forcing turnover after turnover, leading to numerous scoring opportunities right next to the Miami net. Miami has had some chances of their own, but if they want a chance to win, they’ll need to take far better care of the football in the second half.

Serhiy Kryvtsov Injury (45+1′)

An opportunity near the Orlando goal led to a semi-serious injury to Miami’s Serhiy Kryvtsov. He seemed to sustain a cut to his eye, which trainers promptly taped up. Kryvtsov left the game for the remainder of the half.

Leo Campana great scoring opportunity (42′)

Robert Taylor offered a great cross deep into Orlando City’s box. Campana had a clean header opportunity, but it was just too close to Lions’ goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese. Finally, Inter Miami making some noise though.

Robin Jansson injury (35′)

While fighting for the ball with Josef Martinez, Martinez’s head went straight up into Jansson’s chin. Trainers came out and checked on Jansson. Jansson remained in the game.

Cremaschi clearly frustrated

Minutes after his yellow card, Cremaschi is playing with fire, committing another foul. Tensions are clearly high in this one. Then, he promptly gives the ball away just outside of Miami’s box, which led to another Orlando City scoring opportunity.

Yellow Card: Benjamin Cremaschi (31′)

Already two yellow cards have been handed out to Inter Miami. Miami has been forced to match the physicality of Orlando City in order to maintain possession, but it’s not working in Miami’s favor.

DeAndre Yedlin drawing attention early

The Miami defense has struggled early on. Yedlin has been targeted often by the Lions’ midfielders. Still, when tasked with stepping between defenders and the ball early on, Yedlin has been one of the few bright spots for Miami thus far. Yedlin is forced to be a leader with the likes of Jordi Alba and Sergio Brusquets out for this game.

Yellow Card: Tomas Aviles (23′)

Aviles was getting a little too footsy in his own zone. Too much contact draws his second foul and a yellow card and a free kick. Orlando continues applying the pressure, taking advantage of Miami’s subpar defense.

Orlando City dominating possession early

Fifteen minutes into the game, Orlando has had possession of the ball nearly 60 percent of the time. They are applying constant pressure to Miami’s defenders. They can’t breathe without a Lion stalking them. Most of Miami’s possession has been backing up, looking to avoid turning it over so close to their own goal, and even that isn’t working very well.

Aviles foul:

An early foul (‘5) from Aviles near the box gives Orlando a free kick on the left side of the box and it’s all for not. Score is still all nil.

Game kicks off:

The temperature is a warm 82 degrees in Orlando. It will be a warm and raucous one to be sure.