MLS

MATCH PREVIEW: Inter Miami CF to Host Orlando City SC on Wednesday For a Crucial Matchup

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Inter Miami CF (13W-13L-6D, 45 points) returns home to South Florida for a pivotal two-match week for the team’s playoff hunt, as it will be closing out the 2022 MLS regular season with two home games at DRV PNK Stadium. First, Inter Miami is set to face in-state rivals Orlando City SC (13W,13L,6D, 45 points) on Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. ET, when the Club hosts its Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Espolòn Tequila.

Win and We're In

Inter Miami currently sits above the playoff line, being seventh in the Eastern Conference with 45 points. With a win over Orlando at DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday, the team would clinch its playoff berth.

Celebra tu Patria Hispanic Heritage Night Presented by Espolòn Tequila

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Inter Miami CF will be hosting Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Espolòn Tequila when the Club hosts Orlando City SC for its second-to-last home match of the 2022 regular season.

Fans are encouraged to showcase their heritage by bringing their country’s flag to the match and waving it high and proud to show their support for the team. The cameras will be looking for flags in the stands so now’s your chance to be featured on the big screen.

There will be custom Hispanic Heritage patches - each featuring the flags of one of nearly 20 different countries - offered free of charge to anybody who purchases an Inter Miami jersey at all DRV PNK Stadium team store locations during this match.

The premium areas of DRV PNK Stadium will be home to live music and specialty food and beverage options on Hispanic Heritage Night. Notably, a Latin variety band will be performing live prior to the match; be sure to stop by to catch their performance!

Premium menus throughout the stadium will also offer specialty food options celebrating cuisines unique to specific Hispanic countries, including mole chicken, paella, croquetas, empanadas and more. On the second floor of the XBTO NW Club, meanwhile, an Espolòn concession stand will offer special beverage options, including the featured cocktail of the night, the Espolòn Margarita made with Espolòn Tequila Blanco.

Espolòn will also be present in the Fan Zone presented by Baptist Health, which opens at 5 p.m. ET. Fans will be able to enjoy samples, giveaways and a live DJ in the South end before entering DRV PNK Stadium.

Forward Higuaín to Retire End of 2022 Season

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Inter Miami forward Gonzalo Higuaín announced on Monday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2022 MLS season. The Argentine’s stellar 17-and-a-half-year career saw him feature in the top divisions of Italy, Spain and England for several of the world’s most famous clubs, as well as the Argentinian national team, compiling a glittering record of over 300 goals and over 100 assists across more than 700 appearances.

Tickets

Discounted tickets, beginning at $25, are available for Fan Appreciation Week for the remaining two matches of the MLS Regular Season. Don’t miss what could be your final chances to see the legendary striker Higuaín in action! Secure discounted tickets here.

Parking

Before heading to the game, view DRV PNK Stadium matchday parking information here. Fans are encouraged to buy parking passes in advance of arrival to DRV PNK Stadium. Buy your gameday parking pass here.

Brightline - GOOOL Getter Trains

Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America, partnered with the club to offer dedicated game day trains along with free shuttles for the 2022 Inter Miami CF season.

With a total of six GOOOL Getter trains per game to choose from, fans won't get caught offside on game day. The first GOOOL Getter train will arrive at Fort Lauderdale approximately two hours before kickoff, the second train will arrive approximately one hour before and the third train will arrive just in time for kickoff.

Due to high demand, fans are encouraged to book tickets ahead of game day and check Brightline’s website for train times and prices.

Merchandise and Beverage Deals

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For the remaining 2022 MLS regular home matches, the La Palma jersey will be 40% off at the Team Store at DRV PNK Stadium.

Additionally, during Fan Apreciation Week fans will receive a 40% discount on select outerwear pieces including a fan and player favorite, the Inter Miami CF pink team travel hoodie.

Fans will also be able to take advantage of the 954 Special:

  • $9 Cocktails / 16oz La Tropical Beer: Available at Heineken Bars, NW Club Bar, Midfield Club Bar, La Tropical Bar, Fernet Bar, Portable Bars
  • $5 Wine by the Glass: Available at Heineken Bars, NW Club Bar, Midfield Club Bar, La Tropical Bar, Fernet Bar, Portable Bars
  • $4 Soft Pretzels: Available at 108 N, 109 N, 110 N, 115 NE, 118 SE and the North Grab & Go Concessions Stand

*Partner Spirit Brands – Captain Morgan, Haig, Espolòn, Fernet Branca

Lastly, to celebrate our fans, DRV PNK Stadium will also serve 12 ounce cans of La Tropical and Heineken for just $5 from gates open to the start of halftime.

Where to Watch

The match on Wednesday will be broadcast regionally on CBS4, UniMás and the Inter Miami App, and on the radio locally on 560 AM Sports WQAM. Fans worldwide can follow live updates including video highlights and stats on the club’s App. Download and Register your Profile here: https://intermiami.app.link/App.

Last Match

Inter Miami CF will have an action packed final week of the regular season in South Florida after earning a crucial 0-1 win on the road against Toronto FC at BMO Field in the team’s last match on Sept. 30. Striker Higuaín once again scored the winner, netting a crucial late winner for the team as it fights to stay above the playoff line. The goal continued his scorching run of form, taking him up to 12 goals in his last 14 matches, and 14 total goals on the season.

MLS Team of the Week Honors for Higuaín

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Against Toronto in the team’s final away match of the 2022 regular season, Higuaín once again led the offensive line, providing a key pass in the final third that set up a chance for Inter Miami, and when the moment came late in the second half, deftly scored a goal to secure three points for the Herons.

The Argentinian forward has been named to the Team of the Week four times previously in the 2022 MLS regular season; in Week 21, Week 23 where he was also awarded the honor of MLS Player of the Week, and Weeks 31 and 32. Higuaín’s fifth appearance in the MLS Team of the Week makes him the Inter Miami CF player with the most Team of the Week honors this season.

Winning Streak and DRV PNK Stadium Fortress

Inter Miami will seek to extend its current winning streak, having won its past three meetings; 2-1 against the Columbus Crew at home on Sept. 13 and 2-3 on the road against D.C. United on Sept. 18 and the 0-1 win at Toronto on Sept. 30.

Additionally, Inter Miami has made DRV PNK Stadium a fortress for the team throughout the season, boasting the fourth-most home wins in the Eastern Conference this season with an overall (9W-3L-3D) record playing at home.

Second and Final 2022 Regular Season Matchup Against Orlando

Inter Miami will be hosting Orlando on Wednesday in the second and final meeting between the sides in the 2022 regular season. The first time the teams played this season was on July 9, with Orlando winning 1-0 at Exploria Stadium. The teams also faced each other in May in Orlando in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup, with the game finishing 1-1 at full-time and Orlando advancing to the next round in the penalty shootout.

Inter Miami Leaders in 2022

Inter Miami's top scorers this season are Higuaín with 14 and Leonardo Campana with 10. Midfielders Bryce Duke and Alejandro Pozuelo, meanwhile, are the team's top assist providers, with six this campaign. NOTE: Pozuelo has a total 11 assists in the 2022 regular season, with five of those being registered with Toronto FC prior to joining the Club in the summer.

Scouting Orlando City SC

Orlando City will come into the match after falling 2-1 on the road against New York City FC on Sunday, Oct. 2. Overall in 2022 before taking on NYCFC, Orlando has a record of 13 wins, 13 losses and six draws for a total 45 points. Forward Ercan Kara and midfielder Facundo Torres, who have tallied 10 goals and three assists and eight goals and nine assists respectively, have been the team’s leaders this season.