Orlando City

5 things to watch as Orlando City play host to CF Montreal

9.24NextMatch-Article

Orlando City (14-7-9, 51 points) vs. CF Montreal (11-15-4, 37 points)

When: Saturday, 7:30 PM

Where: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, Fla.

TV: FS1,

Radio: Real Radio 104.1, (English), Acción 97.9 FM (Spanish)

¡Que Calor!

Orlando City welcomes Canadian side CF Montréal to the City Beautiful for the first time in the 2023 campaign. Their last encounter at Exploria Stadium occurred on opening day in 2022, with the matchup resulting in a 2-0 win, backed by former Lions Alexandre Pato and Benji Michel. Since then, the Lions and CF Montréal have squared off at Stade Saputo two times throughout the regular season and once during the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Uno Más

Rookie Duncan McGuire made his return to the starting XI last Sunday during the Lions’ duel against intrastate rivals Inter Miami CF, where he scored the equalizing goal. The goal served as his ninth goal during the regular season, 11th in all competitions, and his first since July 15 when the Lions took on Atlanta United FC. McGuire is one goal away from becoming the second rookie in Club history to hit the double-digit mark in his first season with former Lion Cyle Larin the first to achieve the feat in 2015.

En Lo Último 

After Saturday's match against CF Montréal, the Lions will face a brief stint on the road before returning to Exploria Stadium for their final home match of the regular season, where they will host the New England Revolution. Orlando City’s last match of the regular season will take place on the road against another Canadian counterpart on Decision Day, Toronto FC, who the Lions faced earlier this season to snag a 4-0 shutout win at Exploria Stadium.

Recibiendo Flores

Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese was on fire this weekend as he kept rivals Inter Miami at bay, blocking four shots to help the Lions maintain the 1-1 result. Gallese has made 16 saves in his last three games and is four matches away from his 120th appearance with the Club as he continues to extend his own record in goal. Gallese’s performance earned him a spot on MLS’ Team of the Matchday for Matchday 34.

Un Pasito Pa’ Adelante 

The Lions' next win could see the Club extend multiple single-season records as they are one win away from their 15th regular season win and one point away from surpassing their previous record 51 points in a season. City also has the opportunity to extend its unbeaten streak at home to 13 matches, with its next win also doubling as Head Coach Oscar Pareja’s 60th win at the helm of Orlando City.

Milestone Tracker

  • Facundo Torres’ next goal will give him sole possession of third place on the Lions’ all-time scoring list.
  • Mauricio Pereyra’s next assist will give him double-digit helpers in three consecutive seasons. Pereyra has 44 career assists for Orlando City, 18 more than the next closest player.
  • Oscar Pareja is one win away from 60 as Orlando City’s Head Coach.