Orlando City SC achieved one of the most remarkable results in MLS history on Saturday night, overcoming a three-goal deficit to beat rivals Inter Miami CF 4-3 at the New Stadium.
However, after trailing 3–0 after only 33 minutes, Orlando became only the fourth team in MLS history to win a game after trailing by three goals. Star-designate Martin Ojeda led the way with a spectacular hat-trick; He scored two goals from open play and clinically converted a penalty in the 79th minute to level the score at 3-3.
Inter Miami looked to be in the lead early on with a goal and two assists from Lionel Messi. Miami led 3–0 before Orlando went on an unanswered four-goal run.
“I’m very happy for Martin,” said interim head coach Martin Perelman. “Martin played 90 minutes 72 hours ago. He doesn’t want to leave the field even for a second.”
“He is an extraordinary player and I am very happy for him and for us to have a player like him.”
The win is a potential turning point for Orlando City (3-7-1), who have struggled near the bottom of the Eastern Conference but have now won 4-3 in a row.
“It’s reflective of the work we’re doing,” Ojeda said. “The only way forward is to continue working. As a group, we are all very united and focused on the goals in front of us.”
“We did an amazing job,” Perelman said. “Slowly, we are getting closer to the team we want to be.”
