Orlando City is on the road once again and this time in another country. The Lions are heading to the great white north to take on CF Montreal on Saturday. The Lions are coming off a monumental 4-3 comeback victory over rival Inter Miami. Hopefully, Orlando City can keep scoring goals in bunches to get a fourth win on the season. What must the Lions do to earn all three points against Montreal on Saturday afternoon?
Hot Streak Ojeda
Last season, Martin Ojeda had a stretch of good form that forced the national pundits to talk about him as a potential MLS MVP. Many players go on runs of good and bad form — especially attacking players — where nearly every shot finds the back of the net. It’s hard to follow up a hat trick with another, but a brace from Orlando City’s Designated Player would not be unwelcome. I don’t even care that he doesn’t have any assists so far this season as long as he continues to score the goals. Given how leaky the Orlando City defense has been — despite Maxime Crepeau’s efforts — scoring multiple goals is probably necessary to earn three points in this match.
Consistent Kids
Everyone wants teams to “play the kids”, and Orlando City fans have gotten their wish. The amount of younger players in each match is a bit overboard thanks to off-season missteps and injuries. That being said, the kids are generally improving. Most of them even had a decent match against Inter Miami, but can they do it again?
It’s likely we see Iago start next to Robin Jansson. He and the captain will have to deal with Montreal’s leading scorer, Prince Owusu. The striker has six goals and four assists this season, including a goal against the Lions when the two teams met on March 14. As for Justin Ellis, he’s best when he starts, and despite Duncan McGuire’s return, I think Martin Perelman should probably keep riding the hot foot.
Mental Monsters and Road Warriors
The match after a big win over a rival is often difficult. When said match is one of the greatest comebacks in MLS history, it’s more difficult. Being able to recover from the mental and emotional toll in addition to the physical toll such an effort requires is not easy. The Lions must “be a goldfish” and focus on the next match.
If that wasn’t enough, this is Orlando City’s fourth match in a row on the road in all competitions. All of that travel takes a toll, especially when traveling to a different country. Time and climate changes mess with the body and mind. Not sleeping in your own bed messes with your body. The schedule is different than when playing at home. How well the Lions are able to deal with the rivalry match hangover and the long stretch of travel may decide the match.
That is what I will be looking for Saturday afternoon. The Lions return to Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, meaning they will be on short rest after traveling. However, that is a discussion for next week. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Vamos Orlando!
