Introduction to the Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is the intrastate rivalry that defines Major
Football league, breasts Inter Miami against City of Orlando in a clash that mixes geography, ambition and very contrasting identities. Played for the first time in July 2020 during MLS’ return tournament, the derby has quickly developed an edge and narrative weight, shaped by expansion-era growing pains, playoff chases and, most recently, global star power in South Florida. Matches tend to be high-intensity, tactically cautious at the start and emotionally charged, reflecting the cultural divide.
between Miami’s cosmopolitan profile and Orlando’s established MLS pedigree.
All-time head-to-head record
In all competitive competitions, Inter
Miami i Orlando
city they have met regularly since 2020 in league and cup
tournaments While the margins remain narrow, the city of Orlando has historically done so
had a slight edge in total wins, especially during the rivalry
formative seasons before Inter Miami’s recent trophy-laden promotion.
| Category | Inter Miami |
draws | City of Orlando |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total meetings | 6 wins | 6 | 7 wins |
| goals scored | 28 | – | 30 |
| MLS meetings | 4 wins | 4 | 7 wins |
| Cup meetings (all) | 2 wins | 2 | 0 wins |
| Biggest victory | 5–0 | – | 4–1 |
The overall record suggests a rivalry defined by thin margins
rather than domain. Orlando
of the city The advantage was largely built between 2020 and 2022, when
their continuity and defensive structure regularly frustrated Miami. Inter
from miami increase from 2023, driven by depth of attack and
elite individual quality, has narrowed the gap and regained momentum
to South Florida in elimination scenarios. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(
Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)
The latest chapter of the Florida Derby shows dramatics
markers, site-dependent changes and greater discipline influence
and game management. League matches have often favored the home team, while
Cup ties have produced late goals and momentum swings.
| date | competition | place | Punctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 27, 2025 | League Cup | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 3-1 City of Orlando |
| August 11, 2025 | MLS | Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando City 4-1 Inter Miami |
| May 19, 2025 | MLS | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 0–3 Orlando City |
| February 15, 2025 | Interseason Cup | Orlando | Orlando City 2–2 Inter Miami |
| May 16, 2024 | MLS | Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando City 0-0 Inter Miami |
| March 3, 2024 | MLS | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 5-0 Orlando City |
| September 25, 2023 | MLS | Inter&Co Stadium | Orlando City 1-1 Inter Miami |
| August 3, 2023 | League Cup | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City |
| May 21, 2023 | MLS | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 1–3 Orlando City |
| October 6, 2022 | MLS | Chase Stadium | Inter Miami 4–1 Orlando City |
These results highlight a clear inclination of the place in the league game, with
Orlando
city often more assertive at home, while cup matches have tended to
turn to Miami with late goals and numerical advantages. Encounters
and discipline have repeatedly influenced results, especially in matches
decided after 70 minutes. ((aiscore.com)(
Key players and rivalries by era
Foundation Era (2020-2021)
The first Florida Derbies were formed by Orlando
of the city core MLS established against Inter
from miami fledgling team Nani’s control between the lines and
the lead for Orlando contrasted with Gonzalo
Higuain’s role as the focal point of Miami. The defensive leaders com robin
Jansson i Leandro
Gonzalez Pirez set the tone, while wide receivers Chris Mueller and
Lewis Morgan stretched the matches sideways.
Transition Era (2022-2023)
This period saw the rivalry become more tactical. Facundo
towers i Leonardo
bell added vertical threat, while the goalkeepers Pedro
welsh i Drake
Calendar became decisive figures. Duels in the middle of the field between Caesar
Araújo i Rudolph
Pizarro rhythm often dictated, especially in lower scores
encounters
Modern Star Era (2024-2025)
The arrival of Lionel
messiah raised the overall profile of the derby, equaled by Orlando
of the city recruitment of Louis
Muriel and the creative consistency of MartÃn Ojeda. Giving support
figures like Sergio
Search, Jordi
dawn, Nicholas
Lodeiro and Marco Pašalić have added a tactical nuance, making
individual battles as important as the collective form.
| was | club | player | Role in the derby context | notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | City of Orlando | nanny | Captain, Creator | Influence of the fixed piece and leadership |
| Foundation | Inter Miami | Gonzalo HiguaÃn | center forward | Reference point in the first derbies |
| transition | City of Orlando | Pedro Gallese | porter | Specialist in penalties and big saves |
| transition | Inter Miami | Leonardo Bell | ahead | Vertical threat in tight games |
| modern | Inter Miami | Lionel Messi | Game-forward creator | Creative output and primary punctuation |
| modern | City of Orlando | Luis Muriel | in front | Power and movement against high lines |
| modern | City of Orlando | Martin Ojeda | Attacking midfielder | Random creation and long-range threat |
| modern | Inter Miami | Sergio Busquets | Holding the midfielder | Tempo control under pressure |
The players listed illustrate how the rivalry has evolved
leadership-driven competitions in tactical chess matches led by stars. Every era
it brought different matchups that shaped the results and influenced the wider MLS
narratives ((ca.wikipedia.org)(
Detailed H2H analysis
Head-to-head patterns reveal a derby defined by adaptability.
Orlando
of the city Early success came through compact defense and
passing efficiency, often limiting Miami to low-quality opportunities. How
The Miami team matured, control of possession and overloads in wide areas became
decisive, especially when Orlando’s full-backs set deep. cup
accessories have amplified these trends, with increased risk tolerance and
late game volatility becomes a recurring theme.
Key statistics and performance data
Statistically, the Florida Derby is one of the most balanced in MLS
modern rivalries, with only marginal separation between the core
metrics
- The goals per game average remains above the league average, as a reflection
attacking intent - Home teams win a higher percentage of the league
accessories - Red cards and penalties have played an outsized role in the Cup
matches - Clean sheets are rare, underscoring the sustained pressure on both
it ends
Memorable matches and iconic moments
Several events have defined the identity of the Florida Derby and
reputation within the MLS.
- July 9, 2020: The first MLS meeting is back
tournament - October 25, 2020: Inter Miami get a late home win at Fort
Lauderdale. - May 26, 2022: US Open Cup tie decided
penalties - October 6, 2022 – High-scoring league matchup with playoff
implications - 3 August 2023: League Cup play-off goes national
profile - March 3, 2024: Inter Miami records its biggest derby
win - May 19, 2025: Orlando City’s emphatic league win.
- 27 August 2025: Late change to League Cup with number
advantage
Evolution of the rivalry
In just over five years, the Florida Derby has evolved from one
regional curiosity in one of MLS’s most marketable rivalries. early
competitiveness established credibility, while subsequent investment and the star
recruiting increased tactical quality and overall interest. Despite the changes in
personal and momentum changes, the defining traits of the derby: intensity, finesse
margins and emotional edge – have remained constant, ensuring continuity
prominence in the league calendar. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(
Frequently asked questions
When was the first Florida Derby
played?
The first competitive meeting took place in July 2020 during the
MLS is back to back tournament.
Which Florida club has won the most?
Derbies?
Orlando
city they currently have a small lead in total wins.
What is the greatest victory of the
rivalry?
Inter
Miami’s 5-0 league win in March 2024 is the longest
margin
Has the derby been played away?
MLS?
Yes, the teams have faced off in national cups and the League Cup.
Who is the leading scorer in the Florida Derby?
story?
Lionel
messiah he is the top scorer in all competitions
meetings
Why is the rivalry called Florida?
Derby?
The name reflects the intrastate nature of the contest between
Florida’s two MLS clubs.
History and statistics

