Orlando City earn result vs Montreal, but drop points in MLS regular season opener

Orlando, FL – The Orlando City Lions currently hold the MLS’s longest active streak for consecutive years being undefeated in MLS regular season-opening matches. Coming off a 3-0 thrashing of Cavalry FC on the road in Victoria, British Colombia, Canada, in the first leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup match, it’s not a surprise that no one expected Orlando to drop points tonight, but that’s exactly what they did as they settled for a 0-0 draw vs CF Montreal. The OCSC Lions thoroughly outclassed Montreal, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The team has a lot of new faces as they look to build and improve on last season’s success. That was very apparent tonight. However, once they mesh with the old guard, they’ll be a tough squad for anyone to handle.

It took Orlando the better part of the first half to find a rhythm. Montreal’s game plan was to press Orlando high and force them into making mistakes. A more organized and well-acquainted team would catch that and be able to capitalize off the space. However, with some offseason switches to the roster, Orlando is still finding their groove.

Robin Jansson is here to stay!#OrlandoCity have come to an agreement with their Viking on a new 2-year contract. The club has the option for 2026 as well.

The leader in all-time appearances gives the Lions some reliability and a veteran presence in the back.#VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/HuX750SQ9R

— Gustavo Chacon (@onaPSIh) February 7, 2024

Making Moves

Orlando made a good amount of moves this offseason. Former captain, Mauricio Pereyra moved on, returning home to Uruguay. During the offseason, Orlando and Robin Jansson signed a two-year contract extension with the Lions, with a 2026 club option for year three. The club’s “Viking”, who is also the club’s all-time appearance leader, was named the team’s newest captain before Wednesday’s match vs Cavalry FC.

There was also the Duncan McGuire Blackburn Rovers transfer debacle. If Duncan doesn’t leave during the summer transfer window, this offense will look scary all season.

The team also continues to show how to build a roster from players they develop, singing their 15th homegrown player in OCSC history, Tahir Reid-Brown. The 6’2” 17-year old Orlando Native provides some depth, size, and speed on defense. Not to mention, when you play for your hometown, there is always some added pride.

Outside Talent

Nico Lodeiro signed around the new year, replacing Pereyra as the attacking midfielder. The two-time MLS Cup winner is exactly the type of player they needed to prevent any missteps with Pereyra’s departure. I actually believe he’s a pretty good upgrade at the position, and fully expected him to wear the #10 jersey, but it was shortly thereafter announced that Facu Torres would be rockin’ the iconic number. He earned it.

Orlando also signed Luis Muriel, who lit up Serie A in the past few seasons. According to Opta…

“Since he joined Atalanta (from 2019/20) Luis Muriel scored a goal every 105 minutes on average in Serie A, only Cristiano Ronaldo had a lower data (one goal every 96 minutes) in the period in the competition.” 

Lastly, Orlando acquired David Brekalo from Viking FC. His contract is guaranteed through 2027 and Orlando has an option for 2028. Brekalo made his debut in today’s match, playing 77 minutes before being subbed out for Kyle Smith. He led the team in interceptions (4), tackles (2), and clearances (2). Not bad for a club debut.

Who showed up to play today?

Lodeiro and Brekalo were the only new faces to suit up and they both played well in their Orlando debuts. Lodeiro was clinical in the final third, but the finishing was not. Muriel and Reid-Brown were not on the rosters today.

Dagur Dan Thorhallsson took four shots with one of them being a big chance, but he was unable to capitalize. I do, however, really like seeing Dagur being aggressive and playing that attacking defender game.

Regardless, a defender should never be your best offensive player in a game. Be that as it may, Lodeiro, who’s the middle of the offensive triangle between Facu Torres and Ivan Angulo, with Duncan up top, who are all familiar with each other, but not with Nico, will take some time to build familiarity. Eventually, Nico will be the on-the-ground general making the offense work.

El Pulpo, Pedro Gallese always shows up to play. Since joining the team in 2020, he’s never allowed an opening-day goal to the visiting team. That longest active streak for consecutive years being undefeated in MLS regular season-opening matches is still in place in large part due to him.

El Pulpo continues to do El Pulpo things 🐙@pedrogallese | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Yqknkyr7CA

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 25, 2024

Moving Forward

Orlando City starts the season playing four matches in 11 days. Today’s match came only three days and 3000 miles after opening up their 2024 campaign with a victory in the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Nevertheless, that’s no excuse for poor play this early in the season. A better reason is that this team has brand new faces and will be trying out new things while players continue to learn about each other’s tendencies. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with, but they’ll need some time to figure it out.

Next up, they host Cavalry FC on Tuesday for leg two of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.