Orlando City Shut Out CF Montreal 2-0 in Season Opener

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Orlando City packed out Exploria Stadium for their season opener against CF Montreal. OCSC reported 21,283 fans in attendance for the game where Orlando City faced a formidable opponent. CF Montreal come to Orlando off a midweek game for the CONCACAF Champions League while Orlando got their first taste of competitive action at home.

Season’s Greetings

The MLS season kicked off with aplomb this weekend as Orlando City faced a tough challenge against CF Montreal. Montreal was flying high after dominating their midweek CCL tie against Santos Laguna. In this away encounter, Orlando City had their work cut out for them as their preseason campaign ended with a lack of goals.

The first twenty minutes of their season opener followed similar themes as there were an abundance of disconnects in the attacking third. Facundo Torres found moments to break free and get the ball in dangerous spots, but sync up play with Benji Michel and Alexandre Pato was few and far between.

Montreal’s best moment of the first half came off a through pass towards Zorhan Bassong that saw him dribble past Jansson and almost made a goal (if not for Gallese’s heroics–the run was subsequently called offside).

Right before the half hour mark, newly minted captain Mauricio Pereyra found a moment of daylight. After some stellar build-up play, Torres delivered the ball to him just outside the box. Although his strike was just wide, it was Orlando City that finally looked like the aggressor in attack.

The Brazilian Connection

Entering the second half, Orlando opted for a different look as Urso came off the bench to replace Andres Perea. The move bore fruit almost immediately as Junior Urso instantly injected toughness and agility through midfield. Just four minutes into the half, Pereyra found a pass to Ruan on the wing. Ruan was able to beat his defender and slot in a cross to Alexandre Pato. Pato found the net for the first time this season in what fans hope to be a major comeback year for the Brazilian.

The forward momentum continued for Orlando City after the initial goal. Urso’s involvement in the second half completely changed the dynamic of Orlando’s counterattack. After a dismal pass out the box, Urso pounced on the loose ball and once again slotted it to the Captain. Mauricio Pereyra wasted little time finding the open man. Benji Michel took his chance within the CF Montreal box moments after to make it 2-0.

Frustrations continued to mount for CF Montreal after the deficit. Romell Quioto was sent off in the 66′ minute after another altercation between Orlando’s center backs. Orlando City have never lost a home opener in their history. For the 2022 season, history once again remains intact despite losing Robin Jansson to double yellow cards. Orlando City are obviously still working out some preseason kinks.

Facundo Torres has already started winning over the hearts of Orlando City faithful through his incessant playmaking ability. As Cesar Araujo and Torres continue to gel with the squad, there is only room for growth from this young and hungry team.

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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News. | info@floridanationalnews.com