Orlando City SC vs. Montreal Impact – Game Preview
Saturday, October 3rd, Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL. 7:30 p.m. ET
Another battle for a playoff position very late in this MLS season, between two teams that sit in the middle of the Eastern Conference table, one above and one below the red line.
Hosts Orlando City started September with a 3-0 defeat at New England Revolution, but since then has picked up the pace, and is currently on a three-game winning streak. With a 3-1 home victory against Sporting Kansas City, a 1-0 win at Chicago Fire, and the most recent astonishing 5-2 win at New York Red Bulls this past Saturday.
Expansion side Orlando is ranked seventh in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, just under the red line with 38 points (10-13-8), and one spot under Montreal who are ranked sixth.
Visitors Montreal Impact opened September with a 0-0 tie at LA Galaxy, followed by a 1-1 tie at San Jose Earthquakes. Montreal then went on to a series of home wins with 3-0 over New England Revolution, 2-1 over Chicago Fire, and the most recent 2-0 home win over D.C. United this past Saturday.
Montreal Impact are ranked seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference with 42 points (12-11-6).
Aside from legendary designated player Kaka, Orlando’s rookie Cyle Larin broke MLS records for the most goals in a rookie season (14), and two hat tricks in a rookie season.
On the Montreal side, Ignacio Piatti and Dominic Oduro are now reinforced by ex-Chelsea FC star Didier Drogba who is building traction, and has already scored 7 goals since his debut with the Impact on August 22nd.
This is the third time these sides are meeting in their history, with the Impact winning 2-0 in June, and a 2-2 draw in March.
