Last updated on July 11th, 2020 at 08:52 am
The MLS Is Back Tournament kicks off Wednesday night with Group A play as hometown Orlando City hosts expansion side Inter Miami CF in their first-ever matchup. Group A is the only of the six groups to consist of six teams and the top three teams will advance to the Knockout Round of 16. Chicago Fire, Nashville SC, New York City FC and Philadelphia Union are also in the unbalanced group as each team will play three games.
While this game is not at their home field Exploria Stadium and instead at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex without fans, it will be interesting to see if the Lions enjoy any home field advantage. Before the COVID break Oscar Pareja’s squad drew 0-0 against Real Salt Lake and lost to Colorado Rapids 2-1. The David Beckham owned Inter Miami have played two game in their history with a 1-0 road loss to LAFC and a 2-1 road loss to DC United before the season was paused.
Orlando City SC Outlook: Start Off Strong
Last season Orlando City struggled to just nine wins as they were outscored 52-44 on the season. Nani led the team with 12 goals while Tesho Akindele had a career-high 10. Brian Rowe started 32 games in goal and allowed 49 goals while securing just seven clean sheets.
For now Rowe has lost his job to Peruvian keeper Peter Gallese who made four saves and allowed two goals in the two games this season. Don Dwyer is back from injury after a disappointing 2019 season to partner with or replace Akindele up top. Portuguese superstar Nani missed the first two games this season under suspension but is back for Wednesday’s match.
Pareja’s squad is looking for their first win of the season after an early-season draw and loss. The Lions only goal on those two games was scored by Chris Mueller while midfielder Jhegson Mendez led the team with five shots in two games.
Inter Miami CF Outlook: Make History
David Beckham’s squad scored one goal in their two games in March with Mexican forward Rodolfo Pizarro netting against DC United. The expansion team is coached by former Uruguayan striker Diego Alonso with former NY Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles as captain.
Pizarro played for Alonso at Monterrey in Mexico and joined Inter for $12 million so they will count on a lot of production from their number 10. Miami also will rely on former Celtic midfielder Lewis Morgan and ex-Columbus Crew midfielder Wil Trapp to provide service to 21-year old Robbie Robinson up top. Robinson, who scored 24 goals in three seasons at Clemson, was the #1 pick in the 2020 MLS Super Draft.
Argentinian forward Julian Carranza has been out since January with a foot injury giving MLS veteran Juan Agudelo a chance to add to his 45 career league goals. Robles made 10 saves in the first two games while allowing three goals and he is backed up by nine-year pro John McCarthy.
Orlando City SC/Inter Miami CF Betting Lines By Scoresandstats
Orlando City +188 to win
Inter Miami +125 to win
Draw +260
Over/Under 2.5 goals (O -120, U -105)
This game is a very interesting start to the tournament with the first All-Florida matchup since Inter Miami joined MLS. With both managers looking to jump start their rookie season this game could go a long way to possible group success. Miami get a game against struggling Chicago Fire later in the group while Orlando City plays 2019 expansion side Nashville SC. Here’s predicting Miami used the break to regroup and will pick up their first ever win on Wednesday.
GUIS FREE PICK: Inter Miami FC to win (+125). When making this bet – head to www.PayPerHead247.com; our top price per head site.
