Inter Miami forward Gonzalo HiguaÃn (10) celebrates after defeating Orlando City 4-1 during the an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Higuain scored two goals to help the team qualify for the playoffs. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
The Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Gonzalo HiguaÃn scored two goals in his first match since announcing he will retire after the season, and Inter Miami clinched a playoff spot with a 4-1 victory over Orlando City on Wednesday night.
HiguaÃn gave Miami a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute and his penalty kick in the 52nd made it 3-0.
The 34-year-old striker joined Miami in September 2020. He has 16 league goals this season, including 14 in his last 16 matches, and 29 goals in 66 games with Miami.
Miami (14-13-6) also got goals from Ariel Lassiter and Leonardo Campana.
Ercan Kara scored the lone goal for Orlando (13-14-6) to cap the scoring in the 71st minute.
Both teams play Sunday, with Miami hosting Montreal while Orlando hosts the Columbus Crew.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Inter Miami forwards Ariel Lassiter (11) and Gonzalo HiguaÃn (10) celebrate a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (9) is attended on the field during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Orlando City midfielder César Araújo (5) kicks the ball ahead of Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (9) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Orlando City midfielder César Araújo (5) attempts to block Inter Miami midfielder Bryce Duke (22) during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Inter Miami forward Gonzalo HiguaÃn (10), center and his teammate celebrate after defeating the Orlando City 4-1 during an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Inter Miami qualified to play in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Orlando City defender Jo'o Moutinho (4) holds onto Inter Miami midfielder Indiana Vassilev (17) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (1) gestures after a collision near the goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Inter Miami, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
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