Lions are winless in last three matches at Inter&Co Stadium

By Official Florida FC

If Orlando City fails to host a MLS Cup playoff match this fall, the Lions may look at Saturday’s 1-1 draw against CF Montreal as the type of result that forced that scenario.

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The Lions (9-5-8, 35 points) led at halftime through Martín Ojeda’s 28th minute goal. But, Montreal equalized from the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining in regulation.

Montreal (3-13-6, 15 points) have the worst record in Major League Soccer and entered the game tied for the league’s worst goal difference at -22. None of that has seemed to matter when Montreal faces Orlando. The Lions have drawn both matches against Montreal this season.

Saturday’s result may have been worse than the scoreless draw the teams managed in April in Canada, on a night when Orlando had to play the last 15 minutes with 10 men. 

Montreal has earned nine out of a possible 36 points on the road. Saturday was the second time in MLS play this season that Montreal has managed to earn points in a match where it trailed.

It was a sobering result, despite Orlando City remaining unbeaten in its last five matches against Montreal.

Orlando City Head coach Oscar Pareja said the team was uncomfortable from the opening whistle.

“Even though we did enough to win it – that’s part of the frustration – we must win at home. This is another chapter of ‘OK, it could have been.’ We have to transform that and, in reality, that’s the frustration.”

Muted milestone

Defender Kyle Smith made his 200th appearance for the Lions when he appeared in the 76th minute.

Smith said Montreal was able to keep the ball, which limited the Lions’ chances in attack. Orlando City had 11 shots, but only put three on goal.

“I think it’s both us and them,” Smith said. They did well keeping us in front of them. We could have made more runs in behind…maybe that could create a chance for us to score.”

Orlando City hosts New York City FC (9-8-4, 31 points) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. A Lions win would help sixth place Orlando City separate from both New York clubs, as well as Charlotte FC, in the race for the final playoff berths from Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.