The picture shows Luis Murie celebrating in a match.
Luis Muriel and Martín Ojeda delivered a masterclass on Sunday night. Orlando City dismantled Inter Miami 4-1 in a high-energy MLS clash.
Muriel scored twice, while Ojeda added a goal and an assist. The win lifted Orlando into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Lightning Start Ends in Early Equalizer
The match opened with fireworks. Muriel struck in just the 2nd minute, giving Orlando an immediate advantage. The lead was short-lived.
Yannick Bright equalized three minutes later. His unassisted strike marked his first-ever career goal, coming in his 40th MLS appearance.
Ojeda Extends Record Streak
Ojeda played a key role in Muriel’s opener. His assist was his 13th of the season. That also extended his club-record streak to 14 consecutive games with a goal contribution.
The first half ended with both sides level, but Orlando looked sharper in attack.
Muriel Strikes Again After the Break
Orlando wasted no time after halftime. Just five minutes into the second half, Muriel scored again. This time, he did it unassisted.
It was his eighth goal of the season, restoring Orlando’s lead at 2-1. Muriel’s composure and clinical finishing set the tone for the rest of the match.
Ojeda Adds to His League-Leading Tally
Only three minutes later, Ojeda got on the scoresheet himself. His goal in the 58th minute pushed Orlando’s advantage to 3-1.
It was Ojeda’s 14th goal of the season and his 27th goal contribution — the most in the league.
His attacking chemistry with Muriel continues to be one of Orlando City’s biggest strengths.
Pasalic Seals the Win Late
The game’s final blow came in the 88th minute. Marco Pašalić scored unassisted, stretching the lead to 4-1.
It was the Croatian forward’s 10th goal in his debut MLS season — a milestone that highlighted his rapid impact.
Strong Goalkeeping at Both Ends
Orlando’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese registered four saves to protect his team’s lead. His composure under pressure helped keep Miami’s comeback hopes in check.
Inter Miami’s Óscar Ustari faced a relentless attack and made eight saves. Despite his efforts, the visitors’ defense couldn’t contain Orlando’s aggressive offense.
Messi’s Absence Felt
Inter Miami was without their superstar, Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old missed the match due to a right leg injury.
Messi sustained the injury on August 2 in a Leagues Cup game against Necaxa. He has scored 18 goals this season — tied for the league lead with Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge — despite playing in only 18 of Miami’s 23 matches.
Without Messi, Miami lacked their usual cutting edge in attack.
Orlando City’s Climb in the East
The victory pushed Orlando City into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Head coach Oscar Pareja is now just one win away from reaching 100 victories across all competitions.
Inter Miami remains in sixth place but has games in hand. They trail the top four by three matches and fifth-place Columbus Crew by two.
Next Up for Both Teams
Inter Miami will return home to host the LA Galaxy on Saturday. Orlando City will stay on home turf to face Sporting Kansas City the same day.
With Muriel and Ojeda in top form, Orlando will aim to build on their momentum. Miami, meanwhile, hopes to have Messi back soon to boost their playoff push.
