Orlando City
Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact

The knockout rounds of the MLS is Back Tournament are upon us, and Orlando City’s opponent tomorrow night is the Montreal Impact. The two teams played twice last season, with Montreal beating Orlando at Exploria Stadium 3-1 in March, only for the Lions to get their revenge in a 3-0 road win in June.
To prepare for this one I spoke to Paul Vance, managing editor of SBNation’s Mount Royal Soccer. As always, Paul provided an in-depth look at how the Impact are doing this year.
The Impact have played eight games so far under new manager Thierry Henry. What is your overall opinion of Henry as a manager so far and how has he changed the team from what you saw in 2019?
Paul Vance: Thierry Henry — I think, first of all, most everyone is happy to have Henry on board, given his stature within the game, however, the same many people would acknowledge the jury’s out in respect of his coaching credentials/achievements, and frankly his team selections have baffled everyone.
One thing I will say is that he’s not frightened to experiment, although some of his ideas leave long-time Impact observers scratching their heads. But maybe that’s why he’s in the hot seat, and we’re observers.
His record so far isn’t great: two wins, three draws, and three losses, and they’ve just about scraped through into the knockout stage of MLS is Back (what a horrible name for a tournament), in which the Impact have not been particularly impressive.
He has changed the team in how he’s asked them to play, mainly a fluid 5-3-2 cum 3-4-3 formation, which has brought only limited dividends. He reverted to a more conventional 4-3-3 for the critical last group game vs. D.C. and managed to scrape through via Saphir Taider’s deflected shot.
Of course there’s no Ignacio Piatti anymore. The coach has brought in Luis Binks, a solid 18-year-old from Tottenham Hotspur. Binks has gone straight into the side at center back and looks a decent prospect so far.
Another signing from Tottenham, DP Victor Wanyama, has operated in central midfield (and also vs. Toronto FC at center back). He is proving to be a big player for the team, but the cohesion in midfield is not yet apparent. So far Henry has tried to accommodate having Wanyama and Samuel Piette in the same midfield, mainly to the detriment of Piette’s game, and it may be that going forward there is room for only one of the pair in the starting lineup.
Bringing in Romell Quioto has been a breath of fresh air and he’s added pace to the attack. The lack of pace is a feature of the squad, and really only Zachary Brault-Guillard (injured vs. D.C. with a hamstring), Orji Okwonkwo and Lassi Lappalianen could be considered ‘fast.’ Lappalainen has had only limited opportunities so far. Bojan, a former Barcelona teammate of Henry’s, was left on the bench vs. Toronto, suggesting he’s not an automatic choice. Many feel they need to see more from the diminutive No. 9, although he was more involved vs D.C. The Impact still need to work out how to get the best from Bojan.
One of the slightly more surprising and eye-grabbing transfers happened right before the season started, when Montreal signed Victor Wanyama. What have you seen from the former Tottenham player and how important will he be to this team?
PV: Wanyama is solid. He plays mainly in a similar role to Piette, but certainly has more in his locker than the Quebecker. Whether both players are accommodated in Henry’s regular selection remains to be seen, but if only one of them plays it looks certain to be the Kenyan. He had knee problems while at Tottenham — probably why he’s ended up in MLS this early in his career. But he anchors the midfield, is incredibly strong in holding players off, and cool on the ball. He likes to keep it simple, and if the Impact can get his midfield partners right, he will end up dictating the pace of many games. Certainly a very good acquisition, but he cannot do it all by himself, of course.
What are two names that Orlando City fans should know going into this one? Who needs to have strong performances for Montreal to advance to the next round?
PV: The whole team will need to perform well for the Impact to advance in any game at the moment. This hasn’t happened at the tournament thus far. The difference in the third match vs. D.C. which they won, was that they fought really hard throughout. After a slow start they came into the game after 10 mins and dominated the rest of the half — even played some good stuff. Possession and passing were good, but didn’t really create much apart from the deflected goal which won the game.
Second half was a different story. D.C. had a greater share of the possession as you would expect from a team chasing the game, but doggedness and sheer determination saw Montreal home.
If by selecting two players to keep an eye on is what you mean by this question, I would have to say, Quioto, who was excellent against Toronto FC. Pacey and always dangerous — especially on the break — he gave the Toronto back line all kinds of problems before going off with 15 mins to play.
The other player I would mention is Finnish international Lappalainen, although he’s been used only very sparingly in the tournament so far. But if given a chance, he may be one to watch.
But since the predictably unpredictable Henry is unlikely to start with him, maybe the biggest threat will be Taider coming from midfield. His performances haven’t been great, but he tends to make things happen and with three goals (two penalties) and an assist in the tournament so far, his confidence should be high.
Are there any players who will not be available for selection due to injury or suspension? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?
PV: I think the Impact squad has a full bill of health. The one major doubt would have been Brault-Guillard, who appeared to ‘do’ his hamstring late on in the game vs. D.C., but just yesterday during his press conference Henry announced he was fit and well, so that’s the right back slot sorted. Rudy Camacho, who probably wouldn’t have started anyway, is back in Montreal, his wife due to give birth.
I mentioned Lappalainen earlier. He’s not carrying an injury, but an injury did hamper his training resumption and therefore he lacks fitness. He appeared in the last six minutes of the opening match, but has not emerged from the bench since. So, he’s unlikely to start but potentially a potent weapon from the bench.
(Note: Projected lineup and score prediction not provided.)
Thanks again to Paul for all of the information on the Impact and vamos Orlando!

Lion Links
Lion Links: 2/19/25
Halliday and Lodeiro are out, Cartagena’s season is over, the SheBelieves Cup starts tomorrow, and more.

Welcome to Wednesday, Mane Landers! Orlando City continues to see more departures than arrivals to the roster with the season opener looming this weekend. Sure would be cool if the Lions added an experienced MLS striker this week. Alas, I feel it’s not in the cards. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
In better news, it’s Marta’s 39th birthday! Happy nirthday to the captain from all of us here at The Mane Land. Let’s get to the links.
Lions Say Goodbye to Halliday, Lodeiro
Both Michael Halliday and Nico Lodeiro have departed Orlando City. Halliday was traded to the Houston Dynamo for a first-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. With Dagur Dan Thorhallsson starting at right back and Alex Freeman moving into the number two spot behind him, it made sense for Halliday to try to get minutes elsewhere.
Nico Lodeiro mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the club. Lodeiro’s departure will free up $800,000 salary for the club and allow Lodeiro to pursue more playing time at another club. According to Tom Bogert, that club may also be the Houston Dynamo. Given Lodeiro’s role off the bench for Orlando City, this is a move that makes sense for both the player and the club.
Cartagena Out for the Season
While the news was expected, Orlando City officially placed Wilder Cartagena on the Season-Ending Injury list. The midfielder suffered the injury in the preseason match against Atletico Mineiro. The surgery on his left Achilles tendon was successful, but he will still be out for the remainder of the season. Fortunately, the Lions brought in Eduard Atuesta to shore up the midfield. While Orlando City may even be better with Atuesta on the pitch, losing Cartagena still hurts the team depth.
Orlando City in the Top 10?
The off-season was not as long as usual, thanks to Orlando City’s run to the Eastern Conference final. Despite the shorter time frame, I had forgotten how useless, dumb, and yet fun power rankings can be. I’d warn you against spoilers, but these rankings mean absolutely nothing — especially before a match has been played — so I’ll just tell you that the Lions came in at number nine. However, I won’t spoil why they made the top 10, nor which Ft. Lauderdale based club is in the top spot.
SheBelieves Cup Starts Thursday
The USWNT plays its first match of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup Thursday at 8 p.m. The match will take place at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Unless you plan on traveling to Texas, you’ll have to watch it on TV or streaming. The Orlando Pride’s Emily Sams is on the squad and will hopefully see some minutes for Emma Hayes.
Free Kicks
- The Philadelphia Union signed striker Bruno Damiani from Uruguayan club Nacional. At least one team playing at Inter&Co Stadium this weekend signed a striker.
- Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah are out of the UEFA Champions League thanks to AC Milan’s 2-1 aggregate loss to Feyenoord.
- In the “I can’t relate to that level of money but I still feel sorry for the guy” category, LAFC striker Olivier Giroud had approximately $500,000 worth of jewelry stolen when his Los Angeles home was burglarized.
- U.S. Soccer has reached an agreement with Westwood One Sports for the network to serve as their new domestic English-language audio partner.
- In the “isn’t that mildly interesting” category, Pete Mangione will appear for FC Cincinnati.
- When Chase Adams scored 10 goals in the U-17 USMNT’s 22-0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 2025 Concacaf U-17 qualifiers, he broke Erling Haaland’s international goal-scoring record. That’s just icing on the top of the 22-goal cake.
That will do it for today. Check back everyday as we get you ready for the season opener on Saturday. Vamos Orlando!
Orlando City
Orlando City, Nico Lodeiro Mutually Agree to Terminate Contract
The club is off the hook for an $800,000 salary and the Uruguayan midfielder is free to pursue other opportunities.

Veteran midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro’s days as a Lion are over. Orlando City announced that the club and player have mutually agreed to terminate Lodeiro’s contract, allowing him to become a free agent. Per the club, Orlando City has utilized one of its two buyouts for 2025 in this transaction.
Tom Bogert reported Monday that a deal was in the works for Lodeiro to join the Houston Dynamo, and this move paves the way for that to happen. As he was going to be out of contract after the season anyway, the Lions had limited options to sell the midfielder and in the end opted to free up room under the cap, allowing the player to move on to a situation where he could get more minutes.
“This was certainly a difficult decision as Nico has been a great addition to the team since joining us at the beginning of last season,” Orlando City Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi said in a club press release. “Ultimately, we feel this is the best move for both the team and Nico at this time. Nico has integrated in such a seamless way that it feels like he’s been part of our club for much longer than just one season. On top of being a tremendous player and teammate, Nico is a fantastic human being. Our doors will always be open to Nico, and we hope he can one day rejoin us and be an integral part of the Club’s future.”
Orlando City signed Lodeiro as a free agent on Jan. 4, 2024, after his stellar eight-year run with the Seattle Sounders. The hope was that he would step in and elevate a position that had been occupied by previous captain Mauricio Pereyra. Lodeiro managed 16 starts and played in all 34 regular-season matches for the Lions in 2024, but he was displaced in the starting lineup by Martin Ojeda. That relegated Lodeiro to coming off the bench in the second half in most of his appearances from August onward. His final start in the regular season came July 20, 2024, vs. New York City FC, and his last start in any competition was July 26 in Leagues Cup play against CF Montreal.
The 35-year-old leaves Orlando after 34 regular-season appearances (16 starts). He logged 1,697 minutes in the regular season, scoring one goal and contributing 11 assists, which matched his third-highest total in MLS. He attempted 36 shots and put 10 of them on target. Lodeiro completed 87.5% of his passes, which was his best-ever completion percentage in an MLS season, as he delivered 1,215 of 1,389 accurately. He also recorded 46 key passes, 20 completed long balls, and 20 successful crosses. On defense, he notched 36 tackles, 14 interceptions, eight clearances, and three blocks.
In addition to appearing in every regular-season match, Lodeiro saw the field in each of Orlando’s five postseason games — all as a substitute — and played 58 minutes. He did not record any goal contributions or shots, although he had the assist on a would-be Facundo Torres winner in Game 2 against Charlotte FC which was ultimately ruled offside. He completed 77.4% of his passes and accurately delivered two key passes, two crosses, and two long balls. Defensively, he made three tackles and chipped in with a clearance.
Nico appeared in all four of OCSC’s Concacaf Champions Cup matches, starting both games against Tigres and coming on as a sub in both legs against Cavalry FC for a total of 270 minutes. He took four shots (one on target), and provided a goal and an assist in the home game against Cavalry. He completed 86% of his passes and provided one key pass and the aforementioned assist. Defensively, he contributed two tackles and one clearance.
He also started one of the Lions’ Leagues Cup matches and came on as a substitute in the other two, for three total appearances, amassing 83 minutes. He did not score on his four shots (one on target), but he provided an assist in the 4-1 win over CF Montreal. He passed with 81.5% accuracy, completed one cross, and provided three key passes.
What It Means for Orlando City
Lodeiro’s departure after just one season in Orlando clears an $800,000 salary from the books, which is too sizable a contract for a player who would have been a bench player when the team had its full complement of starting players. Lodeiro is still a useful player, as evidenced by his double-digit assist totals a year ago, but he has clearly lost some pace and some of his effectiveness in the box. His goal-scoring has dropped off dramatically in recent years, although he is still a threat on set pieces, as shown by his free kick goal late in the CF Montreal preseason match on Feb. 8.
Ultimately, Lodeiro helped the Lions bridge the gap at the No. 10 spot between Pereyra and Ojeda claiming the job. Ojeda continues to show growth in that position and is coming off a one-goal, one-assist performance Friday against Inter Miami in preseason action. His departure will mean there isn’t an ideal backup for Ojeda on the current squad, although that role could be filled by Luis Muriel or Eduard Atuesta if need be.
If Houston completes the signing of Lodeiro, it would put the Uruguayan on a team that isn’t scheduled to face Orlando City this season.
Orlando City
Orlando City Trades Homegrown Right Back Michael Halliday to the Houston Dynamo
Orlando City has acquired a first-round draft pick in 2026 for fullback Michael Halliday.

Orlando City announced today that the club has traded Homegrown right back Michael Halliday to the Houston Dynamo for the club’s natural first-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. The move ends the Apopka native’s stay with his hometown club, which started in 2016 when he joined the academy. It’s the second time this year that the club has traded away a long-serving Homegrown player, having sent backup goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar to Real Salt Lake on Jan. 15.
Tom Bogert first broke the news Monday that a deal for Halliday was in the works between Orlando and Houston, and now it has been completed. The club will also retain a sell-on percentage in the event Houston transfers Halliday to another club.
The 22-year-old defender signed as the club’s eighth-ever Homegrown Player on July 15, 2020, coming out of the academy. At the time of his signing, he was the youngest player to sign for the club since Tommy Redding in 2014 at 17 years, five months, and 23 days.
He initially joined the club in 2016, playing for the U-13 side and made his way up the academy ranks, eventually reaching the U-19 team before making his professional debut for OCB on Aug. 1, 2020. He made seven appearances for the Young Lions that year with six starts and 561 minutes, recording an assist. He was an unused substitute three times for the first team in 2020.
Halliday’s first appearance for the first team came on May 29, 2021 in a 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. He bounced between the first and second teams over the next four years, making 12 total appearances for OCB with 11 starts and 966 minutes, recording just the one assist. He made 43 appearances for the MLS side with 18 starts, recording 1,841 minutes with two assists.
The right back recently signed a new contract with the club on Jan. 16, 2024. It was a two-year deal that was to keep him in town through the 2025 season with club options for 2026 and 2027.
However, the Apopka native saw a significant decrease in playing time in 2024. After appearing 21 times with 12 starts in 2023, he only made seven appearances with one start in all competitions last season.
Halliday received his first season grade by The Mane Land in 2023, reaching the threshold with 1,109 minutes of action. After getting a 5.5 out of 10 for the season, he didn’t play enough to receive a grade in 2024.
In addition to his club play, Halliday has found a place with the U.S. Men’s National Team youth setup. He began playing with the U-20 national team in 2022, was a member of the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship team, and played four games at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
What It Means for Orlando City
Halliday was primarily a right back for Oscar Pareja’s side. He started the 2023 season on the right with Luca Petrasso on the left. However, both were soon supplanted. Dagur Dan Thorhallsson took over for Halliday and Rafael Santos took over for Petrasso. The left back also left the club following the 2024 season.
This trade might say more about another player than it does about Halliday. The club signed 20-year-old right back Alex Freeman to a Homegrown deal on Feb. 15, 2022. The defender has been playing with OCB for the last couple of years but saw significant minutes this preseason. The club might see more possibilities with the younger right back moving forward. Halliday had seemingly slipped to fourth on the depth chart at right back behind Thorhallsson, Kyle Smith, and Freeman.
After the club traded Stajduhar, Halliday became the longest-tenured Homegrown player at the club. With his departure, that designation now belongs to center back Thomas Williams, who signed a Homegrown contract on June 15, 2021, and a new two-year contract earlier this offseason.
This move gives Halliday an opportunity to compete for more minutes to further his professional development. The full value of the trade for Orlando remains to be seen and will depend on how the club uses the draft pick and whether a future Halliday transfer brings any cash back to OCSC.
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