Check out what to watch for, powered by Verizon, as the Lions host their South Florida rivals:
Saint Maxime
Veteran MLS goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau wasted no time making his mark with the Lions, delivering an 11‑save performance in the 2026 Home Opener, presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, against Red Bull New York last Saturday night. Crépeau’s showing tied Orlando City’s single‑game club record for saves and matched former Homegrown goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar, who made 11 stops against Chicago Fire FC on June 22, 2024. Crépeau’s debut effort earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench.
The Fortress
Orlando City enters Sunday night’s rivalry clash with a history of protecting home turf against Inter Miami CF. The Lions remain undefeated at home in the series against the Herons, holding a 4‑0‑4 record at Inter&Co Stadium all-time. Orlando is 7‑5‑4 all‑time against its intrastate rivals across all competitions and last hosted Inter Miami in downtown Orlando on Aug. 10 of last year, securing a dominant 4‑1 win over the south Florida side. The Lions will look to extend their home dominance as the rivalry’s latest chapter unfolds.
Purple Pathway Production
Homegrown defender Zakaria Taifi continued the Club’s developmental legacy with his first assist with the First Team this past weekend. Taifi set up forward Tiago’s debut goal against Red Bull New York, adding to a résumé that includes appearances at every level of Orlando City’s development system. The 20‑year‑old rose through the Orlando City Academy, Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro and now the First Team, becoming the latest example of the Club’s pathway producing MLS talent and contributors.
Debut Day
Orlando City’s 2026 opener marked a wave of new faces making their first appearances in purple. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau; defenders Griffin Dorsey and Iago; midfielder Braian Ojeda; and forward Tiago all made their club debuts against the New York Red Bulls. The match also included the professional debut of defender Nolan Miller, the first‑round MLS SuperDraft pick who joined the Lions ahead of the 2026 campaign. The group of debutants reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent added during the winter window. In total, 37.4% of Orlando City’s minutes on opening day were played by club and professional debutants.
Bird Hunters
Marco Pašalić enters Sunday’s rivalry match with a strong scoring history against Inter Miami CF. The Croatian forward struck three times across three appearances against Miami last season across all competitions, finding the net in every meeting and establishing himself as one of Orlando City’s most dangerous options in the series. Martín Ojeda has also produced reliably against the Herons. The Argentine midfielder has recorded two goals and two assists in six MLS appearances against Miami, including four starts. Ojeda enters the weekend poised to extend that success as the Lions look to maintain their edge on home turf.
Milestone Tracker:
-Duncan McGuire’s next goal will be his 31st for Orlando City in all competitions, tying former captain Nani for fourth all-time
-With an appearance, Luís Otávio and Tahir Reid-Brown would both make their club debuts, while Harvey Sarajian would make his professional debut
