2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group A, Matchday 1
Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Wed., July 8 – 8:00 PM ET
TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes; TSN in Canada
STREAMING: ESPN App in USA; TSN App in Canada
The first match of the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament is going to be historic, no matter how it plays out.
MLS's two Florida-based clubs, Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF, will face off in their first-ever meeting and the start of what many expect will be a heated rivalry between the two cities.
- Rivalry from Day 1: "We'll feel it on the field"
- Inter Miami: Fans "care immensely" about game vs. Orlando
- Orlando's Michel: Lions will show Miami who's boss
- Inter sporting director: "We're competing with PSG, Chelsea for players"
- Who makes it out of Group A? Experts make picks
- Miami star Pizarro: We envision getting to the final
- Orlando boss: "Our team will have an identity"
- Mueller: It's about more than points vs. Miami
- Inter's Ulloa on facing ex-coach Pareja: "I want to beat him"
Orlando City debuted as an MLS expansion team back in 2015 and will look to make their years of experience count against an Inter Miami expansion side that played its inaugural MLS match on March 1.
Orlando City
The Lions are hoping to turn over a new leaf with new manager Oscar Pareja at the helm and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in club history. Pareja sees the tournament as an opportunity to finally rid Orlando of the burden of past disappointments and he'll have a full squad available for selection as they look to get their first win of 2020 (0W-1D-1L).
- Updated Orlando City roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: None
- QUESTIONABLE: None
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Inter Miami
Despite losing their first two matches in club history (both on the road), Inter Miami have entered their debut season with lofty playoff expectations of their own. They've constructed an ambitious roster, although manager Diego Alonso will be without suspended center back Roman Torres and No. 1 overall draft pick Robbie Robinson (personal reasons). The latter absence will open the door for young Argentine Julian Carranza to make his debut at center forward.
- Updated Inter Miami roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: George Acosta (M) - left knee injury
- OUT: Denso Ulysse (D) - left lower leg injury
- OUT: David Norman Jr. (M) - left ankle injury
- Suspended: Roman Torres (D)
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- This is the first all-time meeting between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF
Officials
- Referee: Rubiel Vazquez
- Assistant Referees: Brian Dunn, Benjamin Hall-Volpenhein
- 4th Official: Rosendo Mendoza
- VAR: Allen Chapman