Orlando City, Supporters' Shield contenders? 3 takeaways from Miami romp | OneFootball

If there ever was such thing as a statement performance, Orlando City's 3-0 win at Inter Miami on Saturday night was it.

Goals courtesy of Luis Muriel and Marco Pašalić, as well as substitute Dagur Dan Thorhallsson, ensured a comfortable three points against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Orlando moved up to fifth in the East, one spot ahead of Miami following the Herons' roughest patch of form since Messi's arrival in the summer of 2023.

Miami struggled in attack and continued their recent defensive woes. Messi was a figure of frustration, even lambasting referee Guido Gonzalez, Jr., for what he determined was an unintentional backpass to Pedro Gallese.

But Orlando's assured performance should also bag headlines. Gallese was once again on top form, even claiming an assist with an incisive long ball to Muriel for the opener moments after said unintentional backpass. The additional contributions from Pašalić and Thorhallsson meant a relatively quiet night from Martin Ojeda went largely unnoticed.

Everyone in purple put in a performance to be proud of. Here are three things we learned as Orlando City matched its all-time unbeaten run of twelve games across all competitions:

Muriel is now the player Orlando fans hoped he would be

Luis Muriel was nothing short of outstanding. His composed finish aside, his recycling possession was integral in the build-up to Orlando's second. His all-round play is a cut above most other strikers in this league and will prove vital if Orlando is to secure a second MLS-era trophy this season.

Yet, even a few months ago, Orlando fans were unsure if Muriel would ever live up to the hype that surrounded his transfer from European powerhouses Atalanta last season.

The Colombian only notched five goals last year -- a measly return for a DP striker -- and often looked unfit adjusting to the Central Florida humidity. In just 14 games this term, Muriel has already surpassed that tally. It seems that Orlando's DPs are finally proving their worth, and Muriel is playing a crucial part in the team's goalscoring success.

No Atuesta? No problem

When Orlando drew a blank in its first three games without injured marquee signing Eduard Atuesta, you'd have been forgiven for thinking the Lions' attack depended entirely on one man.

These injury issues have limited the former LAFC midfielder to just 101 minutes since the end of March, but Atuesta's absence has led to the emergence of a new star in purple. Fellow midfielder Joran Gerbet has been a breath of fresh air and didn't put a foot wrong in either Sunday's game or Orlando's midweek matchup with Charlotte FC.

Orlando is finally scoring again, and Gerbet can take great acclaim for the way he shores up the defense before initiating a quick attack with clever turns or fine long passes.

As late as November 2024, Gerbet was suiting up against the likes of North Carolina Tar Heels and Syracuse Orange. Now, after his second-round draft selection, the Clemson product is pocketing the greatest footballer of all time.

With past picks like Cyle Larin, Daryl Dike, and Duncan McGuire, Orlando certainly knows how to scout the college system. If recent performances are anything to go by, Gerbet may ultimately prove the best pick of the bunch.

Depth is a good problem to have

Icelandic international Dagur Dan Thorhallsson was on the end of fellow substitute McGuire's low cross to seal the game for Orlando in second-half stoppage time, scoring his third goal of the campaign in all competitions.

However, the right-back has only totaled 547 minutes this term, starting only five games due to the mesmeric emergence of rookie Alex Freeman. Thorhallsson will be frustrated with his lack of minutes, given his performances in seasons gone by and his form this time out.

The good thing is that Thorhallsson is very adaptable. He was signed in 2023 as a midfielder but was soon converted into a full-back to compete with veteran defender Kyle Smith. After an understandably shaky start, he established himself as one of the league's best-in-class -- until Freeman came along.

Now, Thorhallsson is being limited to cameos from the bench. His versatility, though, is one of Orlando's biggest assets, and his composure in front of goal demonstrates yet another facet to his game. Orlando have the pieces to mount an assault on the Supporters' Shield, and they have ample time, too, only five points off the pace with 20 matches to play.