Kissimmee, Fla. — Just two games into the 2026 MLS season, Orlando City SC already finds itself in the middle of a rivalry matchup with plenty on the line.
Coming off a frustrating home opener against Red Bull New York, the Lions will look to right the ship Sunday when Inter Miami CF comes to Inter&Co Stadium for what Head Coach Oscar Pareja and the team are treating as a pivotal derby game.
«In this industry, you must win every game,» Pareja said following training at Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park on Friday. «Even if you have won five, I’m going to say the same, you must win this one too. And it’s a derby.»
The Lions were far from their best during the first 45 minutes last weekend, before showing more of themselves after the break. Pareja didn’t mince words when reflecting on the performance, but was encouraged by what he saw from his group once they found their footing.
«We played very bad in the first half, and the second half we played much better,» he said. «The energy, the responsibility, the chemistry amongst them, they were very real. We’ve been working on it, trying to keep building on those positive things. We’re going in our direction, and there are no excuses from us. We need to do the job better.»
Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who made 11 saves in his Lions debut to tie the Club record in a single match, echoed that sentiment.
«The response is basically to not start flat, as we did in the past game,» Crépeau said. «We faced the same issue against Cincinnati in preseason and Colorado in preseason. To change that narrative and to start right away well, and to continue that 90-plus minutes, that is quite the objective.»
On the other side, Inter Miami arrives with a roster largely intact from their MLS Cup championship side, though some notable absences remain. Pareja acknowledged Miami’s identity hasn’t changed much heading into the new year, but the focus for his group is more on themselves and how they need to play heading into the game on Sunday.
«They have kept that identity that is normal and functional, just trying to play around Leo (Messi) and what he contributes to that team,» Pareja said. «We have respect for them like any other, but now we’re focusing much more on us. We can have more protagonism, more tools, that’s what we aim for.»
Miami also comes to Orlando off back-to-back away trips. After playing out in Los Angeles to open the season on Satruday, they took a midweek trip down to Puerto Rico to play a friendly on Thursday. Especially early on in a season, those long flights can play a big factor in performances.
«The mileage they have is a bit more challenging than us this week, since we stayed here, that is for sure,» Crépeau said. «But every team has their own decision on how to manage their preseason, manage their roster. Both teams, when they step on the field, will be ready to play.»
One of the brighter spots from the New York loss was the impact of several younger players off the bench, including defender Nolan Miller, who came on in the second half and steadied the back line in just his first professional appearance. Homegrown Colin Guske also was forced into action early on due to the injury to Wilder Cartagena, while Homegrown Zakaria Taifi notched his first MLS assist in the late stages of the match. Pareja was quick to champion those players when asked about their development.
«I’m very proud of them,» he said. «I want to say this with all my heart. I have been in this league for many years, and I want to support these young ones, these guys that have been product of our Academy. If there are things that don’t work, I take that responsibility. I say generally, just let them grow. It’s time for them to take those spots.»
Crépeau offered high praise for Miller specifically, noting the composure the rookie showed stepping into a high-pressure moment.
«Nolan has personality and quality, for sure,» Crépeau said. «For him to come in, in a difficult situation where we were under pressure, and to answer like he did, it showed he was up for the task. It’s going to be a continuing story of progression this year.»
That growth will be tested immediately, as the Lions turn their focus to a familiar measuring stick early in the season.
«It’s a derby. It’s must win,» Crépeau said. «You play for everybody in the city and everybody who loves the club, everybody who works for the club from top to bottom.»
Kickoff on Sunday is set for 7 p.m on MLS on Apple TV.
