Orlando City Stuns Inter Miami 4-3, Completing Historic Comeback in Rival's New Stadium

Key facts

• Orlando City SC defeated Inter Miami CF 4-3 on Saturday night at Inter Miami's new stadium.
• Orlando is the first team to win at Inter Miami's new venue.
• Orlando became the fourth team in MLS history, and first since 2018, to win after trailing by three goals.
• Martín Ojeda scored a hat-trick, including a penalty and two goals from outside the box.
• Tyrese Spicer scored the game-winning goal in the 88th minute.
• Inter Miami led 3-0 after 33 minutes, with Ian Frey scoring the opener.
• Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made seven saves, including three in one possession.
• Orlando interim head coach Martín Perelman made halftime substitutions that changed the game.

A Night of Firsts at Inter Miami's New Home

Inter Miami CF inaugurated their new stadium on Saturday night with a match against in-state rivals Orlando City SC, but the celebration belonged entirely to the visitors. Orlando City completed a stunning 4-3 comeback, becoming the first team to win at the venue and only the fourth in MLS history to overturn a three-goal deficit, a feat last achieved in 2018. The match began disastrously for Orlando. Within the first five minutes, Inter Miami's Ian Frey scored a header to put the hosts ahead. By the 33rd minute, Miami had extended their lead to 3-0, creating a seemingly insurmountable gap. Yet Orlando pulled one back just six minutes later, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround.

Ojeda's Hat-Trick Ignites the Comeback

Martín Ojeda was the catalyst for Orlando's revival. In the 39th minute, captain Robin Jansson's powerful header found Justin Ellis, who quickly laid the ball off to Ojeda. Taking a touch to create space, Ojeda smashed a shot from outside the box past Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. That goal injected life into the Lions. Ojeda struck again after halftime. Following a recycled ball to Adrían Marín, the defender drove toward the box and found Ojeda on the right edge of the half circle. Another quick touch and left-footed snapshot produced another goal, cutting the deficit to 3-2. In the 68th minute, a penalty was awarded after a push in the back of Iago by Falcón. Ojeda stepped up and sent St. Clair the wrong way, completing his hat-trick and leveling the score at 3-3.

Halftime Adjustments and Key Substitutions

Interim head coach Martín Perelman made decisive changes at halftime, bringing on Tyrese Spicer and Eduard Atuesda for Tiago and Luis Otávio. Perelman switched to a system that bypassed the midfield, giving players more space and allowing Miami to push forward, which ultimately benefited Orlando. The inclusion of Duncan McGuire, returning from injury, proved crucial as his ability to stretch the field opened spaces for Ojeda to exploit. The tactical shift paid dividends. Orlando began to dominate possession and create chances, while goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau made seven vital saves, including three in a single sequence, to keep the Lions within reach.

Spicer's Late Winner Seals Historic Victory

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute. After McGuire laid a ball off to Braian Ojeda, the midfielder fizzed a pass into the attacking third. Martín Ojeda, in an offside position, let the ball run past him, allowing Tyrese Spicer to sprint onto it. Spicer's pace carried him past his marker, one-on-one with St. Clair, and he finished through the goalkeeper's legs to give Orlando a 4-3 lead. Spicer has been in fine form, scoring important goals in recent matches, including against FC Naples, D.C. United, and in the Open Cup against New England. This goal, however, etches him into club lore as the scorer of the game-winner in the first match at Inter Miami's new stadium.

What Comes Next for Both Sides

Orlando City will finally have a normal week without a midweek match for the first time in three weeks. They next travel to Canada to face CF Montréal on Saturday. The victory provides a massive boost for the Lions, who demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility under interim management. For Inter Miami, the loss is a bitter pill, especially after leading 3-0 at home. The team will need to regroup quickly as they continue their season, with Lionel Messi's presence on the pitch unable to prevent the collapse. The result underscores the competitive nature of MLS, where no lead is safe.

The bottom line

• Orlando City's 4-3 comeback is the first win at Inter Miami's new stadium and one of the greatest comebacks in MLS history.
• Martín Ojeda's hat-trick (three goals, including a penalty) was the driving force behind the victory.
• Interim head coach Martín Perelman's halftime substitutions and tactical switch were pivotal in turning the game around.
• Tyrese Spicer's late goal secured the win, continuing his streak of clutch performances.
• Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau's seven saves kept Orlando in the match during Miami's dominant spells.
• Inter Miami squandered a three-goal lead at home, raising questions about their defensive resilience.