By Official Florida FC
Inter Miami first foray beyond Florida resulted in its first loss of the 2023 MLS Season.
The Herons lost 1-0 to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Josef Martinez had a chance to open the scoring in the 29th minute, but blazed his shot over the bar. Minutes later, Inter Miami conceded for the first time this season.
Christopher McVey volleyed in a NYCFC free kick into Inter Miami’s goal in the 36th minute.
After 216 minutes, the Herons conceded from their own foot.
Later, Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callendar made multiple athletic saves in the second half to give the visitors a chance to equalize. He was forced to make a season-high seven saves.
Inter Miami controlled possession for large portions of the second half. But, possession does not automatically equate to goals. NYCFC doubled up the visitors in expected goals 1.1 to 0.5.
Inter Miami (2-1-0, 6 points) has another cold-weather match when it travels to Toronto (0-1-2, 2 points) on March 18.
Lions hold on for draw in capital city
Orlando City also conceded its first goal of the 2023 season. But, the Lions remained unbeaten on the season courtesy of Duncan McGuire’s 53rd minute opener.
Chris Durkin’s 80th minute goal allowed D.C. United to draw Orlando City 1-1. Orlando City (1-0-2, 5 points) is now seventh in the Eastern Conference.
More importantly, no one from Orlando City picked up a knock ahead of its Champions League contest against Tigres.
Only four outfield players who started Wednesday’s historic draw in the Champions League also started on Saturday night: Rodrigo Schlegel, Ivan Angulo, Mauricio Pereyra and Facundo Torres. Only Schlegel, a central defender, went the full 90 in Washington D.C.
