Inter Miami II received an early sucker punch from Orlando City B in Sunday’s MLS NEXT Pro Week 16 Game of the Week, but rebounded and scored three unanswered goals to earn a huge three points away from home.
Shaan Hundal and Shanyder Borgelin both scored in the second half to help Inter Miami II turn things around while Romeo Beckham also added his first league goal in a 3-1 comeback victory. The result moved Inter Miami II up to 22 points this season, remaining just outside of the top-four in the Eastern Conference.
C.J. Dos Santos made a heroic save only three minutes into the match as the former U.S. youth national team goalkeeper dove low to deny Nacier Acosta an opening goal.
Orlando City B’s early pressure paid off though in the 13th minute as Moises Tablante’s clinical finish broke the deadlock. A clever 1-2 passing sequence between Acosta and Tablante was capped off by the midfielder’s low drive into the bottom-left corner.
Adam Grinwis got the nod for OCB and made three important first-half saves to keep the host in front. Grinwis denied Beckham’s right-footed shot in the 32nd minute before also repelling Shaan Hundal’s long-range strike just one minute later.
Jack Lynn was denied twice by Dos Santos, as the Inter Miami II goalkeeper kept the deficit at one goal.
Inter Miami II began piling on the pressure in the second-half and eventually was rewarded with a penalty kick opportunity. Modesto Mendez was fouled by Joey DeZart in the 69th minute allowing Hundal the chance to score his fourth league goal of the season.
Grinwis impressed for OCB throughout most of Sunday’s showdown, but the 30-year-old was at fault for Inter Miami II’s eventual winner in the 78th minute. Borgelin created room for a long-range attempt and watched as his low drive snuck past a diving Grinwis for a 2-1 advantage.
Beckham’s curling free kick in the 83rd minute sealed the comeback victory for Inter Miami II as the 19-year-old celebrated his first MLS NEXT Pro goal.
Dos Santos finished the match with four saves as Darren Powell’s side celebrated a second victory over their in-state rivals this season.
Orlando City B next travels to Chicago Fire FC II on July 17 while Inter Miami II is off until July 24.
Romeo Beckham was held in check during the opening 45 minutes of Inter Miami II’s trip to Orlando City B on Sunday night, but responded in a big way to help his team claim an important three points away from home.
Beckham netted his first league goal of the season while also assisting once in a 3-1 win over OCB. The 19-year-old was a key performer for Darren Powell’s side in the comeback result, setting up Shanyder Borgelin’s goal before calling his own number for the icing on the cake.
Beckham’s clinical free kick finish was similar to one of his father David’s famous goals, giving the young midfielder added confidence heading into a bye week. Not only did Beckham get his name on the scoresheet, he also won six duels, drew two fouls, and finished with two shots on goal, being an impactful performer in the match.
Inter Miami II is continuing to pressure the top four teams in the Eastern Conference and Beckham’s production will certainly help the Florida-based club throughout the second-half of the season. After sparking Inter Miami II to only its second road win of the season, Beckham will hope for similar performances in the coming weeks against NYCFC II and FC Cincinnati 2.
