An all-Florida derby will take place this weekend, when Orlando City welcome Inter Miami for a crucial Western Conference clash.
Orlando currently occupy one of the seven playoff spots, whereas Inter Miami are chasing the pack just behind.
Match preview
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Having only ever qualified for the playoffs twice, Orlando are yet to leave their mark on Major League Soccer, after being inducted into the league as a franchise club in 2015.
Knocked out at the quarter-final stage in the 2020 season, that run remains Orlando's best-ever in MLS, with the Florida-based outfit looking to go further this time around.
They have managed to get off to a solid start, winning seven of their 18 matches in MLS so far, while drawing a further four and losing another seven.
Consolidating their position inside the top seven will be key heading into the second half of the campaign, as Orlando look to establish themselves amongst MLS's elite.
Similarly, Inter Miami are yet to stamp down their authority on MLS, yet they have not had luxury of time like fellow Florida side Orlando have.
Without a top-seven finish in their two seasons as an MLS club, Inter Miami are chasing a playoff spot for the first time in their history.
Currently three points behind, Inter Miami do have work to do if they wish to bridge the gap, but a run of strong league form has seen them catapulted back into the mix.
Just one defeat in MLS since the beginning of May has propelled Inter Miami into a strong position, with the side from Florida looking to extend their unbeaten run to three games this weekend.
History suggests that record could be extended for Inter Miami, as their last three meetings against Orlando have ended in draws.
However, they boast just one win against their Florida rivals, with that sole victory coming all the way back in August 2020.
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Team News
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As Orlando look to maintain their position in the playoff race, they will have to do it without goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, who is out with a jaw injury.
Without any further injuries of note, Orlando will likely field a close to full strength side this weekend, with Alexandre Pato amongst those set to feature.
Pato scored last time out for Orlando, as did fellow forward Ercan Kara, who will start alongside the Brazilian.
The same cannot be said for Inter Miami, who are battling somewhat of a mini injury crisis.
Robbie Robinson has netted once for Inter Miami this season, but he is likely to be out until late July with a hamstring problem.
Elsewhere, Nick Marsman is out with a back problem, while Brek Shea and Ian Fray are also out for the visitors.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Ruan, Smith, Schlegel, Moutinho; Urso, Araujo; Mulraney, Perea, Torres; Kara
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Lowe, Sailor, Mcvey; Gregore, Ulloa; Taylor, Duke, Lassiter; Campana
We say: Orlando City 2-1 Inter Miami
Orlando will understand that this weekend's clash represents an opportunity not only to take the bragging rights of Florida, but to also consolidate their playoff position.
Inter Miami will offer stern competition, but it is unlikely they will be able to take points off Orlando.
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Amos Murphy
