Inter Miami Vs Orlando City: Orlando tinker with three changes ahead of Florida Derby

Orlando City made three changes to their starting XI as they prepared to host Inter Miami CF in game two of the 2026 MLS regular season, in what shapes up as a high-profile inter miami vs orlando city matchup. The adjustments arrive after a 2-1 loss on Matchday 1 and a pair of injuries that thrust Homegrown players and recent substitutes into starting roles.

ORLANDO, Fla.: Three changes to the lineup and the full XI

Orlando City SC opened with three alterations from last week: Tahir Reid-Brown, Nolan Miller and Colin Guske joined the starting XI. The listed starters were Maxime Crépeau, Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo, Nolan Miller, Tahir Reid-Brown, Marco Pašalić, Braian Ojeda, Colin Guske, Iván Angulo, Martín Ojeda and Duncan McGuire. The substitutes named were Javier Otero, Eduard Atuesta, Luís Otávio, Tyrese Spicer, Justin Ellis, Iago, Tiago, Zakaria Taifi and Yutaro Tsukada. Kickoff was scheduled for 7 p. m. ET.

Inter Miami Vs Orlando City: Tahir Reid-Brown earns first MLS start

With a late injury to Adrían Marín, Homegrown left back Tahir Reid-Brown was promoted into the starting lineup and received his first MLS start and first MLS appearance this evening against the Herons. Reid-Brown spent the last three seasons with Orlando City B but had yet to make a first-team appearance until this match.

Nolan Miller and the left side task vs. Miami's attack

Nolan Miller made his first MLS start after coming into last weekend's match after halftime; he was paired with Reid-Brown on the left side to help try to shut down the Miami attack. The pairing is one of Orlando's tactical moves following their Matchday 1 defeat.

Midfield shuffle: Colin Guske in for Wilder Cartagena, Eduard Atuesta's mixed status

Colin Guske received the nod in midfield with Wilder Cartagena out due to injury; Guske had come on in the match against Red Bull New York and logged what the club described as good game minutes heading into this contest. On the bench, Eduard Atuesta returned after missing the last match due to injury. At the same time, Atuesta's status had been described as up in the air after missing opening day with hamstring tightness.

Orlando roster turnover, recent results and Miami's attacking questions

Orlando enter the Florida Derby having made the last six Audi MLS Cup Playoffs under head coach Oscar Pareja, the league's longest active postseason streak. The Lions were coming off a 2-1 home loss to Red Bull New York on Matchday 1, in which winter signing Tiago — one of three U22 Initiative additions from Brazil alongside midfielder Luis Otávio and center back Iago Teodoro — scored late in second-half stoppage time.

Orlando's offseason featured significant roster turnover: the club transferred homegrown right back Alex Freeman to Villarreal and moved on from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Those changes add context to whether Orlando's new arrivals and established stars can get on the right page for this marquee in-state game.

Miami's title form checked at LAFC and lineup questions under Mascherano

The reigning MLS Cup champions hoped to rebound on Matchday 2 after being blanked 3-0 at LAFC during the inaugural Saturday showdown. Miami had scored a combined 101 regular-season and playoff goals in 2025 en route to their league title, yet their vaunted attack was held largely in check by the Black & Gold on MLS is Back weekend.

Lionel Messi was limited to four shots, none on target, while Designated Player signing Germán Berterame managed just one attempt on frame. Berterame was one of three newcomers who made their first official starts with Miami, along with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and center back Micael. Questions remain about whether the former Celta de Vigo forward Allende will start in attack as coach Mascherano explores his best XI after Miami were blanked at LAFC.

What to watch during the inter miami vs orlando city matchup

Key storylines included how Reid-Brown and Miller would handle starting roles on the left, whether Guske could continue the midfield minutes he earned against Red Bull New York, and how Miami's trio of recent starters — Berterame, Dayne St. Clair and Micael — might respond after being held scoreless at LAFC. The matchup also carried subplots about Orlando's offseason moves, Alex Freeman's transfer to Villarreal and the club's ongoing postseason streak under Oscar Pareja.