LIONS, MLS ARE BACK
Nani’s goal lifts Orlando in match with four yellow cards, 29 fouls
Orlando City’s Chris Mueller, 9, takes a shot on Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Luis Robles in the MLS is Back Tournament opener at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports on Wednesday. Nani scored the winning goal in stoppage time to give the Lions a 2-1 victory.
Nothing about the night was completely normal.
On the pitch, Orlando City and Inter Miami played the first match in what is expected to be a long-lasting rivalry. And on the pitch, the rivalry looked bitter already — the teams combined for four yellow cards and 29 fouls as the Lions pulled away for a 2-1 win.
In the final seconds of play, both teams appeared ready to hold out for a gritty draw. But captain and designated player Nani flew in as the hero for Orlando City, netting his first goal in his first game of the year with a point-blank shot in the box.
It was a wild finish on a night that lacked the usual pomp and circumstance of a traditional rivalry match. Instead, it reflected the unique and slightly eerie atmosphere of the MLS is Back Tournament. Without fans in attendance, the air hung heavy with silence that was only broken by the shouted commands of players and coaches.
There was no supporters section to celebrate goals. The players and coaches did their best to make up for it, with Lions strength coach Fabian Bazan crouching to roar into an on-field mic as his players dissolved in cheers.
Understanding that this night was never going to be normal, the league and the