The Orlando City vs.CF Montreal match highlights the strengths and improvements necessary to carry the Lions from second place to first this season. Despite mostly holding the ball for the first half, Orlando City only made one goal within four shots. Turmoil heightened as ten fouls and multiple yellow cards were given to Duncan McGuire and Wilder Cartagena.
Pedro Gallese earned his position as a star goalkeeper as he made five saves – four of which occurred within the beginning five minutes. Despite concerns, the Lions finished strong during the second half with a 9-1 advantage in corners. Keeping the playing field leveled, Gallese continued to stop Kwadwo Opoku’s attempts to shoot on a breakaway.
Players and fans held bated breaths as pass after pass remained off by mere centimeters. Allowing Montreal to steal the ball and keep the scoreboard en-passed. The singular deciding factor was a penalty kick from Torres. Although he scored, it was waved off due to Jack Lynn being offside. A decision concluded from reviewing multiple video replays.
Although heavily anticipated, this stalemate was neither a triumph nor a disappointment – but a buffer until the next match.
