MLS
Nicolás Lodeiro confident ahead of trip to Inter Miami
The Uruguayan star scored his first goal for Orlando City in the CONCACAF Champions Cup victory over Cavalry.
Orlando City secured a comfortable 3-1 win against Canadian side Cavalry on Tuesday evening, seeing them through in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Oscar Pareja’s side ran out 6-1 winners on aggregate to set up a Round of 16 clash against Liga MX side Tigres UANL. Tuesday’s victory featured a goal from new signing Nicolás Lodeiro, who notched his first for the club with a confident strike from the edge of the box.
After the game Lodeiro said that the CONCACAF victory had been good for the team’s self-believe ahead of a tough trip to Inter Miami this weekend.
“For our confidence it’s very important for the next game. I thought that the team needs a big victory, it’s good for our confidence,” he explained. “We have a very good team with many good players and I think we’re ready for the next game. Everyone is healthy, ready to play and we’re happy with the victory.”
Lodeiro to face Uruguayan teammate Suárez
After finishing second in the Supporters’ Shield standings in 2023, Orlando City are expected to challenge for titles again this year. They have strengthened with the off-season arrivals of Lodeiro and Luis Muriel, while the likes of Duncan McGuire and Facundo Torres have remained at the club.
They opened their MLS campaign with a 0-0 home draw against Montreal. This weekend they travel down the Florida coast to take on Inter Miami at Chase Stadium.
A trip to Miami is one of the hardest fixtures in MLS but for Lodeiro it represents a chance to reunite with an old friend. Lodeiro is Uruguayan and has represented the national team 60 times, many of which came alongside Miami striker Luis Suárez.
When Suárez signed for the MLS side he admitted that he had sought Lodeiro’s views on the league and said that he is looking forward to the games against his compatriot.
“I spoke to Nico very often because I watched his games. We have a great relationship. Now we’re going to be rivals. That’s beautiful,” Suárez said.
Lodeiro, now 34 years old, is looking for a triumphant end to his stellar MLS career. The starred for Seattle Sounder for eight years, winning two MLS Cups and the CONCACAF Champions League. He was named in the MLS Best XI in 2020 and remains one of the most talented forward players in the league.
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