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Orlando City vs. Montreal Impact: Final Score 1-0 as Daryl Dike’s Goal Lifts Lions to 10th Win

The Lions inched closer to a home playoff match behind the rookie’s goal and five saves by Pedro Gallese.

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3 years ago

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Image courtesy of Orlando City SC

Orlando City took a step closer to a home playoff game, beating the Montreal Impact 1-0 on a Daryl Dike goal and five saves by Pedro Gallese at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Lions could have clinched the top four had New York City FC not won its game tonight, but Orlando City (10-3-8, 38 points) will take the three points from the Impact (7-13-2, 23 points) and the shutout victory home with them, with just two games left to play in the regular season.

It was Orlando’s first shutout victory of the regular season — after a few 0-0 draws — and the win moved Oscar Pareja into eighth place on the all-time MLS list for coaching victories. Papi moved past Steve Nicol with his 113th win.

“We learned how to win this type of game,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said after the match, referring to the team conceding some late goals in recent weeks to drop points. “We were obviously closer to scoring more goals in the second half but they had one chance as well. Overall I like it. The discipline was there. I think we were great today and we had the personality to get the three points that we needed.”

Pareja’s lineup featured some squad rotation, with Nani and Chris Mueller taking the night off and Ruan and Junior Urso going to the bench. Gallese took his spot in goal behind a back line of Kamal Miller, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, and Kyle Smith. Andres Perea and Sebas Mendez manned the central midfield, with Mauricio Pereyra returning to the lineup and Benji Michel completing the midfield. Tesho Akindele and Dike started up top.

The best way to describe the first half is…sleepy. Most of the opening 45 minutes were dominated by the defenses and the teams looked to play carefully. Montreal looked to get forward more than Orlando City, and won the ball in the middle more often, with the Impact’s 3-5-2 presenting challenges, but there weren’t many opportunities in the first half hour.

The first decent opportunity came in the 22nd minute after Miller’s beautiful pass sent Michel down the left flank. The Homegrown Player cut into the penalty area and looked to pick out a pass but the defense cleared it out and Montreal went on the break. Samuel Piette fired a shot from the right side and Gallese was there to make the save.

After a lot more play in between the two penalty areas, the Lions found the breakthrough in the 39th minute. Pereyra finally got on the ball in space, facing the goal in the middle of the pitch. The Uruguayan sent an inch perfect pass into Dike’s path and the big rookie smashed it past Clement Diop for his seventh goal of the season and his third in three matches.

“It was a game that was probably missing some precision in the boxes offensively, but in that bright moment, Mauro came and put that beautiful ball to Daryl,” Pareja said.

Pereyra notched his sixth assist of the season, tying Mueller for the team lead.

“I didn’t know what to do with the ball when I got it,” Pereyra said with a laugh. “So, I tried to [find someone] open. Nobody was there, so I came inside. I looked and Daryl started to move really fast to change the speed and break the lines. So I waited a little until the last moment when he was in a good moment to get the ball and it was a good ball and a good finish.”

As you’d expect, the Impact pushed the issue after Orlando’s goal and tried to pull it back before the break. Bojan cut around Mendez in the 44th and hit a shot from a dangerous spot, but Jansson blocked it and the Lions cleared.

That turned out to be the last chance of the half for either side and Orlando took its 1-0 advantage to the break.

Montreal fired more shots (4-2), with each team getting one on target. Orlando’s only shot attempt other than Dike’s goal was a 30-yard effort from Miller that was way off target after a corner kick clearance found him in the middle of the pitch. The Impact led in corners (2-1), while Orlando City held more possession (52.5%-47.5%). Each team was successful on 83% of its passing attempts in the opening period.

While Orlando City has spent several games pinned in its own end in the second halves of tight matches while nursing a one-goal lead, the Lions were more aggressive out of the locker room in the second half of this one. Orlando pressed up the field, counter-pressed, won the ball, and looked to kill the game off.

Each team got a look in the first 10 minutes of the second half, with Dike firing wide from a tight angle in the 51st, when a pass for Akindele might have been the better play, and Emanuel Maciel firing over the goal two minutes later.

Bojan started looking for space outside the area to free himself up for his blistering, long-range shots, and he fizzed one over the bar in the 61st minute.

Orlando City then had an excellent opportunity to double the lead through Michel in the 63rd but he couldn’t beat Diop from the top of the area.

Seconds later, second-half sub Ruan fizzed a low cross for Dike but couldn’t get enough bend on it and Diop collected.

Bojan got two more opportunities in the 67th and 69th minutes but he hit the first one wide and the second was a volley shot into the ground that he hit softly at Gallese.

The Lions looked to kill off the game but weren’t quite lethal enough in front of goal. Akindele headed a corner kick cross onto the top of the bar in the 72nd minute and moments later he had a golden opportunity to score the second off a pass from Junior Urso, but Diop made a big save.

Diop made another huge stop in the 80th after Mendez won the ball off Bojan and ignited the transition. The ball ended up with Ruan in front of goal but Diop had come off his line and made a sprawling stop to deny the speedy Brazilian.

A minute later, Michel again had a ton of space at the top of the area. He took a pass from Ruan and fired but didn’t hit his shot well, giving Diop a comfortable save.

Montreal threw numbers forward but had trouble beating Jansson and Carlos in the middle. Amar Sejdic fired at Gallese in the 82nd but El Pulpo snared it without spilling it. The best opportunity in stoppage time was another blast from Bojan at the top of the semicircle. Gallese dove to his right and smacked it away with a strong right hand in the 92nd minute.

“I thought we played well,” Smith said. “ We communicated well. We were absorbing some pressure at the end of the game. And I think that we did well with that. Pedro had a very good game coming out and collecting balls and making it easier for the back line to defend. I thought he was man of the match.”

The Lions held on and were often the more likely team to score in the second half, but in the end, Dike’s strike was the game’s only scoring. Montreal finished with more shots (16-9), but Orlando blocked seven of those and each team got five on target. The Impact doubled up Orlando on corners (6-3), but a flurry of three of those came within a few seconds. Orlando held more possession (51.3%-48.7%), while Montreal was slightly more accurate in passing (85%-84%).

Pareja talked after the game about how the pain of dropping points in recent weeks gave the Lions a chance to learn and respond.

“It just gave us the opportunity to grow. It’s painful because those points [would have] given us an opportunity to fight for the Shield. But today this game taught us that we can be that team. We can close the games and keep the clean sheet as well, and the zero is important for us.”

The Lions improved to 5-6-2 against the Impact in the regular season and 6-6-2 in all competitions, including a win by the same score earlier this year in the MLS is Back Tournament. Orlando reached the 10-win mark in a season for the third time in six seasons, but the previous two times came in a 34-match MLS regular season.

There are just two matches left in the regular season for Orlando City and both are at home. The Lions will next host the Columbus Crew Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.

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Lion Links: 9/29/23

Orlando City prepares for CF Montreal, learning more about Duncan McGuire, Jack Lynn named to MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, and more.

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2 hours ago

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September 29, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

It’s Friday, which means we’re just one day away from a pretty busy weekend of Orlando soccer. It should be a pretty fun next few days, with Orlando City, the Orlando Pride, and Orlando City B all in action. I don’t have many weekend plans beyond working and getting some writing and reading done. Let’s get to the links!

Orlando City Prepares for CF Montreal

Orlando City hosts CF Montreal tomorrow night in a showdown between two Eastern Conference teams with just four games remaining this season. It’s the second match between the two teams this year, with Montreal beating the Lions 2-0 in Canada on May 6. In the time since that game, the Lions have only lost three games this season and have not been defeated at home since April 22. Orlando’s next win will be Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s 60th with the Lions, and tomorrow’s match could also break club records for most wins and points in a season. A win for the Lions would be massive to put some breathing room between them and the other top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Get to Know Duncan McGuire

Orlando forward Duncan McGuire was the latest to go under the microscope as part of the club’s video series to learn more about the players. The rookie spoke on his upbringing as a middle child, as well as how he turned to soccer after struggling in other sports. McGuire also talked about his acrobatic goal celebrations and a clip is included of a time he didn’t quite stick the landing after scoring for Creighton. It’s a pretty fun interview, as he gave some details on how Mason Stajduhar is a quick learner when it comes to golf and how he wants to go out to dinner with Ana de Armas.

Jack Lynn Makes MLS NEXT Pro Best XI

Orlando City B forward Jack Lynn was named to the MLS NEXT Pro’s Best XI for the second straight year. Lynn fueled OCB’s offense this season, scoring 19 goals to help the Young Lions claim a spot in the playoffs. No MLS NEXT Pro player has scored more goals since the league’s inaugural season last year than Lynn, who has 34 goals under his belt. The 23-year-old is joined on the front line of this year’s Best XI with the two players he tied with for the Golden Boot, New York City FC II’s Matt Myers and Colorado Rapids 2 forward Remi Cabral.

Orlando City B Takes On Columbus Crew 2 This Sunday

The Young Lions will play their first MLS NEXT Pro playoff game this Sunday when they face Columbus Crew 2 on the road at 5:30 p.m. It will be the third and final match between the two sides this year, with each claiming a big win over the other earlier in the season. No team that qualified for the playoffs has lost more road games than OCB this season, which may be why Columbus elected to face Orlando. However, Orlando’s offense has been electric at times this year thanks to Lynn, Shak Mohammed, Wilfredo Rivera, and others. Sunday may be another wild game with the Young Lions involved and you can check it out on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.

Tahir Reid-Brown Called Up for Training Camp

United States U-17 Men’s National Team Head Coach Gonzalo Segares called up 20 players for a training camp in Brazil to prepare for the U-17 World Cup in November. OCB defender Tahir Reid-Brown was the lone Orlando representative called up for this camp. The 17-year-old was called up to the U-17 team earlier this April for a training camp in Florida. He’s had an impressive year, earning a spot in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game and making 10 appearances for OCB. The U.S. will take on Brazil on Oct. 4 and Oct. 6 in a pair of friendlies during this camp.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City center back Rodrigo Schlegel unveiled the meaning behind his tattoos, including the ones for his parents and his biggest moments as a Lion.

That’s all I have for you today. Hopefully the weather plays nice this weekend and you’re able to do everything you have planned. Have a great Friday!

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Orlando City

Orlando City vs. CF Montreal: Three Keys to Victory

What does Orlando City need to do to earn all three points against CF Montreal this Saturday in Exploria Stadium?

Published

23 hours ago

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September 28, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

Orlando City hosts CF Montreal in the second-to-last home match of the 2023 MLS regular season at Exploria Stadium this Saturday night. The Lions have already secured a spot in the playoffs but are now fighting for home field advantage. Montreal is currently sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and is fighting for a playoff spot.

What does Orlando City need to do to secure three important points against the Canadian Club Foots?

Time to Make the Donuts

It had been a minute since Duncan McGuire scored a goal for Orlando City — and by a minute I mean since July 29. McGuire had a few opportunities against Inter Miami and managed to get one to equalize for the Lions and ensure a point at home. I do think he might have scored on another of those chances if he was fully back in form after his injury time, but I’ll take the goal. 

My hope is that getting that goal will remind him that he can score goals when given the opportunity, and he will be better about finishing the chances he gets against Montreal. Sometimes it just takes getting that first goal to open up the muscle memory and to unlock the confidence needed in a striker. It’s time for Duncan to score more goals, and the match against Montreal is the first and best opportunity to do so since Montreal starting center back Joel Waterman will be serving a red card suspension.

Switch up the Lineup

I propose a change to the starting lineup — something Oscar Pareja does not do very often. Due to injuries and other factors such a move wasn’t possible earlier in the season, but I think it could work now. I have a ton of respect for Mauricio Pereyra, but he could probably use a rest to be fresh for the playoffs as the regular season winds down. 

I suggest letting Martin Ojeda get the start in the 10 spot, moving Dagur Dan Thorhallsson up the wing, and having Michael Halliday take over at right back. Ojeda’s play as of late has been much improved, and with Halliday healthy again, why not take advantage of Dagur Dan’s versatility along the wing. I think this move provides energy, a surprise for opposing defenses, and allows Facundo Torres more freedom. 

Same Old Effective Defense

Orlando City’s defense has only allowed 37 goals this season — which is good enough to tie for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. On the flip side, Montreal has only scored 30 goals so far — which is only better than Toronto at 24 goals. Montreal has a goal differential of -15.If the Lions play their normally solid defense in front of the outstanding goalkeeping of Pedro Gallese, Montreal should not get too many opportunities to score. There’s no doubt that we will see Robin Jansson and Rodrigo Schlegel paired together with Rafael Santos on the left and either Dagur Dan — or Michael Halliday as I suggested — on the right. Cesar Araujo and Wilder Cartagena can stop most attacks before they get to the back line. If Orlando City plays defense as well as the club did against Miami, things should be fine.

That is what I will be looking for this Saturday as the Lions take on the boys from North of the border. Vamos Orlando!

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Lion Links: 9/28/23

Ajax is reportedly scouting Facundo Torres, Orlando Pride focus on upcoming matches, Houston Dynamo win U.S. Open Cup, and more.

Published

1 day ago

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September 28, 2023

By

Dan MacDonald, The Mane Land

How’s it going, Mane Landers? I hope this work week has gone smoothly for you as we get ready to bid farewell to September. It’s been a hectic week for me, but I started and then promptly devoured all of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It was a nice read, albeit a bit intense at times. I’m not sure what I’ll read next as most of my reading list is packed up for a move, but if you have any recommendations then let me know in the comments below. Let’s dive into today’s links!

Ajax Reportedly Interested in Facundo Torres

Orlando City forward Facundo Torres has reportedly garnered the interest of Dutch club Ajax according to Fabrizio Romano.

It’s not too surprising that Ajax, which currently sits in 14th in the Eredivisie with just seven goals from five games, has scouts keeping tabs on Torres. The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals this season, powering Orlando to second in the Eastern Conference. It wouldn’t be the first time Torres has received attention from European clubs and likely won’t be the last as he continues to impress with the Lions

Orlando Pride Focus During Playoff Push

The Orlando Pride are back in action on Monday for a crucial road match with Angel City FC. Both teams have 25 points this season, one point from the sixth and final playoff spot currently held by the Washington Spirit. It will be the first of three remaining games for the Pride this season, with matches against fellow playoff hopefuls Racing Louisville and the Houston Dash set for later in October. As a result, there’s not much margin for error if the Pride wish to make the playoffs and Kylie Strom talked about how the team is focused for these games.

MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs Begin This Weekend

The first round of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs kicks off this weekend with six matches that can all be watched on MLS Season Pass. Unlike last year, Orlando City B will be taking part and is set to face off with Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Although the Young Lions have struggled on the road against Columbus, Jack Lynn and Shak Mohammed can make things difficult for the hosts. Hopefully we’ll see OCB make Columbus regret its choice of opponent in the postseason. I like the wrinkle and mind games to the playoffs the new rule gave and am interested to see which of the lower seeds plays with a chip on their shoulder. The playoffs begin on Friday when Sporting Kansas City II hosts Austin FC II in a battle between the third and fourth seeds of the Western Conference.

Houston Dynamo Win U.S. Open Cup

The Houston Dynamo have lifted the U.S. Open Cup trophy after winning 2-1 on the road against Inter Miami. A pair of goals in the first half were enough for Houston to win its second U.S. Open Cup title after also winning in 2018. A goal in stoppage time from Josef Martinez made things interesting, but the Dynamo defense did well to secure the win and deny Miami its second tournament title this year. It was a strong end to a solid tournament campaign from the Dynamo, as they beat four MLS sides before taking down Miami in the final.

Albertin Montoya Hired as Bay FC Head Coach

Ahead of its inaugural NWSL season next year, Bay FC named Albertin Montoya as the club’s first head coach. Montoya, who has lived in California for most of his life, served as the interim coach for the Washington Spirit in 2022 and also coached the U.S. U-17 women’s national team in 2011. Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton spoke on how Montoya’s name came up often while the club searched for a head coach, as well as how his skill at developing players will help build the club’s foundation.

Free Kicks

  • Orlando City Head Coach Oscar Pareja called for the supporters to continue filling Exploria Stadium and pushing the Lions forward for the team’s remaining home games this season.
  • St. Louis City midfielder Njabulo Blom won MLS Goal of the Week for his winner against Minnesota United. It was also the 23-year-old’s first professional goal.

That’s all I have for you today. Have a wonderful Thursday and rest of your week!

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