Matchday 9: Orlando City vs. CF Montreal Game Preview

Orlando, FL – Montreal: one city, endless memories. Orlando City SC look to make lasting mementos as they face off against winless CF Montreal. “There is lots to talk about, eh?” in this week’s Match Week 9 preview.

At the bottom of the barrel of maple syrup, CF Montreal has had a rough go of the season thus far. Montreal remains winless in the Eastern Conference, sharing the title with their Canadian counterparts, Toronto FC. Not much has gone their way. In their last three matchups, Montreal has gone 0-2-1, scoring two goals and gaining a meager 1 point on the MLS leaderboard. Only one player, Prince Owusu, has scored more than one goal (2) for the Canadian squad.

Champions keep playing until they get it right. Orlando City SC (3-2-3) has had an impressive kickoff to the 2025 campaign. Things have simmered down a bit after starting the season red hot in scoring (they led the MLS at one point). In the last three contests, the Lions have only scored two goals. David Brekalo stated in the post-game press conference after the draw against NYRB that, “When we don’t score, it’s a little bit disappointing. But it’s going to be okay. We are on the right road.” The Lions are indeed on the right side of the highway.

The past two games saw Pedro Gallese pick up two clean sheets, marking career #50 for El Pulpo. In a Lemon City exclusive, Orlando Coach Oscar Pareja spoke about his goalie’s recent performance. “It’s good. We are at a good place. Pedro is recording his best version and his best level.” Given that Montreal is yet to win, Gallese should be able to defend the fortress with ease.

Orlando Coach Osacar Pareja talks about the strong gameplay of both goalies, Pedro Gallese and Javier Otero. #orlandocity @LemonCityLive pic.twitter.com/UdPXBnsb2H

— Michael Saylor 34 (@Saylor3426320) April 15, 2025

From the streets to the skyline, Montreal is divine. That will be the case for the Lions. Unlike the previous two scoreless contests, expect the firepower from Orlando to melt any nearby Canadian goose down outer garments. The purple and gold will score. This game will feel much different, despite being played on the road at Saputo Stadium. Expect two goals from Marco Pasalic, one goal from Luis Muriel, one goal from Martin Ojeda, and finally, the first goal of the season for Duncan McGuire. This should be an easy three points upon the fleur-de-lis. However, if OCSC manages to falter against their neighbors to the north, it could spell disaster.

Losing to a winless team would set the Lions back. Not only on the leaderboard, but from a mental perspective. It is hard to shake a loss. It is even harder to shake a loss to a team that can’t get their gears moving in the right direction. All the elements to win are present. Pasalic and Muriel have looked great playing together, Alex Freeman is having a breakout rookie campaign, and Ojeda is having what can arguably be the best start of his career. Let this game be a statement for the purple and gold and an easy climb up the Eastern Conference standings.

Two factors potentially stand in the way of the Lions. One: playing on the road. This should not be a big issue as the Lions have only lost once on the road through 8 games. Two, Prince Owusu, who has scored two goals this season for Montreal. Once again, this shouldn’t be too big of a factor as four Lions have scored multiple goals already during the early campaign (Pasalic, Freeman, Muriel, and Ojeda).

Fall is coming early for Montreal, and the red Canadian Maple Leaf is about to wither from the tree. Fans of Canadian soccer don’t get too excited, the time for a win is not now. Instead of saying “eh,” replace it with better luck next week. No confusion here. Orlando comes out on top, scoring four goals. The final: Orlando City SC – 5, CF Montreal – 0. Heartbreak remains for both winless Canadian teams in the Eastern Conference.