Orlando City (4-3-2, 14 points) at CF Montréal (3-6-0, 9 points)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Saputo Stadium, Montreal
TV: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (subscription required)
Radio: Real Radio 104.1 FM (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)
Official Heineken Silver Watch Party: Kiwi's Pub & Grill (801 W State Rd 436 Ste 1017, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714)
Here are five storylines to watch on Saturday as Orlando City looks for back-to-back results on the road against CF Montréal.
On the Board
Ercan Kara found the back of the net for the first time in MLS action this season on Saturday night, sending a cross from Mikey Halliday straight into the back of the net.
The finish served as Kara’s 14th in all competitions since joining the Club, his last coming in Concacaf Champions League play via a bicycle kick against Tigres UANL.
The Locals
A pair of Orlando City Homegrowns left their mark over the weekend with defender Mikey Halliday tallying his first professional goal contribution, earning the assist on Ercan Kara’s eventual game-winner.
In addition, teammate and fellow Homegrown Alex Freeman would go on to make his First Team debut, subbing into the match late in the second half.
Freeman serves as the third Lions’ Homegrown to appear for the team this season, joining Halliday along with goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar.
A DP Connection
This past Saturday saw all three of the Lions’ Designated Players combine for a goal for the first time since the trio has shared the field together, with Ercan Kara and Martín Ojeda combining in the lead-up to a Facundo Torres finish, his second of the year.
The helper tied Ojeda for the team lead with Mauricio Pereyra with his third of the year, while Kara earned as assist for the first time in 2023.
The Road Form
The Lions will look to continue their impressive road form to kick start 2023, having taken a pair of 2-1 victories with a draw to add through three trips in 2023. Orlando City stands alone as the last team in the Eastern Conference yet to drop a result away from home this season, one of two remaining in the league along with reigning MLS Cup Champions LAFC.
More Milestones – El Pulpo Edition
With the start on Saturday night, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made Club-history once again, tallying his 93rd appearance in all competitions in between the sticks for Orlando City, passing former Lions goalkeeper Joe Bendik for the most in franchise history.
Gallese also extended his clean sheets record on the evening, posting his 25th in all competitions since joining the side ahead of the 2020 campaign.
Milestone Tracker
- Midfielder César Araújo is one appearance away from 50 in all competitions.
- Midfielder Mauricio Pereyra is two starts away from 100 in all competitions.
- Forward Ercan Kara is one appearance away from 40 as a Lion.
