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Three Up, Three Down: Inter Miami manages 1-1 draw at Orlando, moves to within four points of last playoff spot

After each match, site co-expert Matthew Clark and I pick three players we felt most impacted the game for the Herons — and which three didn’t.

ByKen Garner, Matthew Clark|
Orlando City SC supporters display the colors before Sunday’s 1-1 draw against short-handed Inter Miami, who played without Messi, Alba and Busquets.
Orlando City SC supporters display the colors before Sunday’s 1-1 draw against short-handed Inter Miami, who played without Messi, Alba and Busquets. | Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports
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Three Up

David Ruiz, B+

The Miami homegrown player and Honduran international was fearless Sunday against a physical Lions’ defense; he scored Inter Miami’s goal by being in the right place at the right time. Dixon Arroyo intercepted an Orlando pass and fed Leonardo Campana, who laid the ball at the feet of Josef Martinez, who was making a hard run at goal. Pedro Gallese saved Martinez’ back-post shot, but the rebound bounced to Ruiz, who poked it home without breaking stride. Ruiz was especially busy in the first half when, without Sergio Busquets to quarterback the build up, goalkeeper repeatedly tried to boom kicks over the midfield to strikers Martinez and Campana. Orlando’s defense beat the Herons time after time, sending the Purple Shirts surging back toward Miami’s goal and forcing Miami’s midfield and back line to scramble.

Man, where has Ruiz been all this time? I was trying to think of the last time I wrote his name in a piece here... oh yeah... his call-up in the international break. That's it. Underachieving may be a bit of an understatement when it comes to Ruiz after July's transfer window, but his performance against Orlando City provided flashes of just what he's capable of. It also helps when the ball lands at your feet with the goal right in front of you.

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