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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
4 of 5

Dixon Arroyo, B

There were several candidates for my third star, including center back Serhiy Kryvtsov, a stabilizing force on a shaky back line until leaving the match at halftime with a migraine causing impaired vision, possibly related to a head injury he suffered in Tuesday’s win against Toronto. Or Kamal Miller, a starter hoping to have night off before Kryvtsov was removed from the match. I even considered Martinez, whose quick, assertive run into the box created the Ruiz goal. But I decided on Arroyo who, while he is no Busquets, patrols the defensive midfield aggressively, shadowing runners on the counter, blocking shots and stepping in front of passes. His interception started the Herons’ scoring sequence.

Inter Miami CF midfielder Dixon Arroyo reacts to being carded.
Inter Miami CF midfielder Dixon Arroyo reacts to being carded. | Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports

Let's be honest, this was a match where Inter Miami needed to be on-point when it came to defense. Orlando City was going to bring it, and bring it hard... and they did. I don't completely disagree with Arroyo in this slot as he provided a good stop-gap on defense to let the Inter Miami back line catch its breath.

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