Orlando City vs. Inter Miami MLS Preview and Prediction
The second week of the MLS hits the ground running with a highly anticipated Florida derby between Orlando City and Inter Miami.
Last year’s champions won’t be forgiving, especially after opening the season with a loss, but the same goes for Orlando, which will once again want to qualify for the playoffs in pursuit of its first-ever MLS Cup. Don’t miss out on the Inter&Co Stadium kick off this Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami MLS Odds and Betting Trends
Out of 18 meetings in all competitions, Orlando boasts seven wins compared to Miami’s six, while a total of six draws have occurred. Further, both teams hover around 1.5 goals scored and allowed per match in this series. Orlando holds a two-game MLS winning streak against their Florida rivals, but Miami took home the most recent win in the Leagues Cup last August. Their last three straight matchups have ended with at least three goals hitting the back of the net, so prepare for some goal-scoring action in this one.
Miami is still a +470 MLS Cup favourite after losing their season opener and are +120 away favourites on the MLS odds in this derby. Orlando isn’t totally out of the picture this season, priced at +2700 to win the Cup, while they are +185 contenders in Sunday’s matchup. A draw is set for +270, with under 3.5 goals being much more probable at -155.
Orlando City
Orlando faces a similar start as Miami with their home opener concluding 1-2 to the New York Red Bulls, although the side did net a consolation goal in the 90+6′ to pull their goal differential back to -1. Last year, Orlando finished the regular season with the third-highest goals-for tally in the Eastern Conference and a positive goal differential of 12 despite a ninth-place finish. If that continues into this year, it will surely help them improve their record, although it’s still very early to tell.
Midfielder Martin Ojeda has yet to earn his first goal of the season after reaching a count of 16 last year, but he enters this match set to score at +180. Forward Duncan McGuire is the next most likely to find the back of the net at +210 after scoring three last season, followed by Marco Pasalic at +225 after reaching 12 previously.
Inter Miami
The 2025 Cup winners had a rough start in a 3-0 loss to the tough opponents of LAFC, as they have yet to play a home game or score their first goal of the season. They held the ball for most of the game against LA (69 per cent) but had trouble hitting the target, with only two shots out of 10 being on frame. It’s difficult to tell trends from the first game of the season, but considering they had one of the best offences last season with 81 goals, it’s only a matter of time before the Herons strike the net.
Lionel Messi is likely to be livid from failing to score or assist in his last match, as the Argentine international enters this one set to score anytime at -110 after he racked up over 30+ goals in the regular and postseason last year. The Mexican International newcomer, German Berterame, is behind him at +205 after netting nine goals in the Liga MX for Monterrey, and he’ll be yearning for his first goal in pink colours Sunday night.
MLS Prediction: Who Will Win Orlando City vs. Inter Miami?
While Orlando City won their last home game against the Herons with four goals to show for, it’s hard to see them doing that again against last year’s champions. Miami is on the road for the second time in a row, but they surely won’t be shut out in two straight games with the likes of Messi, Allende, Silveti, and Berterame on the pitch.
It’s only a matter of time before Messi breaks the ice, and considering he led the league in assists last year, one of his teammates is bound to strike as well. These games hover around three to five goals in total, and with the reigning Cup champions hungry for their first win of the season, I’m going with a 2-1 Inter Miami away victory for this one.