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.

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
3 of 5

DeAndre Yedlin, B+

The captain in Messi’s absence lived up to his responsibilities, working hard on both ends of the pitch, defending his teammates and communicating with teammates and officials alike. Yedlin’ s pace and experience served him well tracking back to snuff out counter attacks, and he became a ball carrier and distributor when the Herons stopped trying to outkick Orlando’s coverage and instead began using the field’s width to move the ball forward on the wings.

Team captains DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami CF and Mauricio Pereyra of Orlando City await the coin toss before Sunday’s match in Orlando.
Team captains DeAndre Yedlin of Inter Miami CF and Mauricio Pereyra of Orlando City await the coin toss before Sunday’s match in Orlando. | Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports

I'm not that impressed with Yedlin but his big benefit to the squad on Sunday was communication. I don't know that I see his play as being extraordinary, but keeping things in line with the team during a playoff push and a rivalry match is nothing to sneeze at.