1 - The Late Show
In the six prior meetings between these teams, Orlando City has scored a late goal in three of them. Seb Hines scored a memorable 80th-minute winner in late September 2015 to secure three points in the Lions’ playoff push. Then in 2016, City completed a clinical five-pass sequence in the 87th minute for the game-winner. Carlos Rivas scored a goal, earned two assists and drew the penalty that Kaká converted in the Lions’ 4-1 win on Sept. 7.
2 - Toia For Ya
Lions left back Donny Toia spent two seasons with Montreal, making 44 starts among 48 appearances and picking up a goal and two assists. Toia was selected with the first pick in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft by Atlanta United and quickly acquired by City in exchange for its natural first-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
Toia has two assists in 12 appearances, all of them starts, for Orlando City.
3 - Half Century Mark
Joe Bendik’s next start will be his 50th for Orlando City. Bendik has played every MLS minute in goal for the Lions since joining the team ahead of 2016. Last year, Bendik posted five clean sheets while leading the league with 114 saves and winning 11 MLS Save of the Weeks and Save of the Year.
Bendik matched last season’s shutout total - and tied his own Club MLS era single-season record. After taking 33 matches to reach five clean sheets in 2016, Bendik and the Lions did it in just 15 this season.
4 - Good Behavior
Lions midfielder Cristian Higuita reached the five-game good behavior incentive after appearing in City’s June 4 match against Chicago without receiving a yellow card. Higuita has now appeared in five matches without receiving a yellow card and will not be suspended for his next caution.
Higuita is Orlando City’s all-time leader in yellow cards with 23.
5 - AdversairesCommuns
Orlando City and Montreal have faced nine common opponents this season. The Lions are 6-2-3 against those teams and has outscored them, 13-11. Montreal is 1-4-4 against the common opponents and has been outscored, 10-14.
Both teams picked up draws against Sporting KC and Chicago. They both earned 1-0 home wins over the New York Red Bulls and losses to Columbus. Orlando City has two wins and a loss to NYCFC while Montreal tied the Pigeons, 1-1. The Lions have wins over the LA Galaxy and D.C. United, both of which beat Montreal. City tied San Jose and Montreal lost to the Quakes. City defeated Philadelphia, 2-1, while Montreal mounted a thrilling three-goal, second-half comeback to draw the Union.
6 - Close Out The Stand
Orlando City closes out a three-game league homestand against Montreal. City has picked up four of six possible points following a 2-0 win over D.C. United and a scoreless draw against Chicago. The Lions were happy to take a point from the Fire, though, as City was reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute and then nine in the 66th.
Orlando City has one more three-game homestand this season. City hosts New England on Wednesday, Sept. 27, FC Dallas on the following Saturday and Columbus two weeks later on Oct. 15.
