ORLANDO, Fla. (July 26, 2024) – Orlando City SC (1-0-0, 3 points) dominated CF Montréal (0-1-0, 0 points) in a 4-1 decision in the opening Group Stage match of Leagues Cup 2024 on Friday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions extended their unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions, their longest streak of the season.
Dagur Dan Thórhallsson got the scoring started early for the Lions with his first career Leagues Cup goal and his third of the 2024 season across all competitions.
A couple of Orlando players extended their own individual streaks on the night against CF Montréal. With a goal in first-half stoppage time, forward Ramiro Enrique has now scored in five straight matches across all competitions. With a goal of his own, Martín Ojeda broke a City record with seven consecutive matches in which he earned a goal contribution, a record previously set by Daryl Dike. In the last seven matches, Ojeda has scored three goals and recorded four assists, while the Club has held a 5-1-1 record during that stretch.
After picking up an assist on Enrique's goal, Facundo Torres recorded his 23rd career assist, passing Kaká for fourth on the Club’s all-time assist list.
The Lions will next host Liga MX side Atlético de San Luis for the first time in Club history in Leagues Cup 2024 Group Stage action next Sunday, Aug. 4, at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions and Atleti de San Luis will face off on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kick-off slated for 8 p.m. ET.
Scoring Summary:
7’ Dagur Dan Thórhallsson – ORL 1, MTL 0
It didn’t take long for the Lions to get on the scoreboard thanks to a rebound shot from defender Dagur Dan Thórhallsson. Orlando put the pressure on the visiting squad and Martín Ojeda ripped a shot that was saved by goalkeeper Sebastian Breza. The ball was deflected to Nico Lodeiro, who took another shot that was blocked a defender. Thórhallsson gained control of another rebound from just inside the box and the third shot of the possession found the back of the net to give the Lions an early 1-0 lead.
37’ Facundo Torres (Ramiro Enrique) – ORL 2, MTL 0
The Lions doubled their lead on a goal from Facundo Torres late in the first half that was initially ruled offsides but reversed after a review. César Araújo led an attack down the right side of the field and sent a cross into the box that was deflected off Ramiro Enrique in front of the goal and was finished off by Torres on a sliding finish.
45+2’ Ramiro Enrique (Facundo Torres) – ORL 3, MTL 0
Right before the end of the half, Torres set up Enrique for a goal of his own. Torres gained control near midfield and led Enrique behind the Montréal defense. The Argentinian forward beat the keeper one on one to extend the Orlando City lead.
57’ Martin Ojeda (Nico Lodeiro) – ORL 4, MTL 0
The Lions continued their dominance early in the second half with Ojeda adding a tally of his own. Midfielder Nico Lodeiro chipped a ball to Ojeda that led him behind the Montréal defense before drilling a shot under the goalkeeper for the Club’s fourth goal of the night.
69’ Josef Martínez (Ariel Lassiter) – ORL 4, MTL 1
CF Montréal got one back on a connection between two second-half substitutes. Ariel Lassiter led an attack into the Orlando defensive zone and dropped off a pass to Josef Martínez inside the box. The forward turned and ripped a shot that was deflected by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and rolled into the net.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Well, first, it’s a great night in front of our fans to score four goals against a very difficult rival. Just seeing the team and the evolution that we are looking for. Keeping that momentum that we’ve had in the last six games, it’s all good to see. The first half we sought after the game early by just being sharp scoring. We knew Montréal would come to look for us in the second half and give us some space and that’s what happened. Again, we’re fine in front of the goal and it's something that makes us look good. Happy with the result but as this competition tells us, we have to get ready for the next one.”
Match Notes:
- Dagur Dan Thórhallsson scored his first career Leagues Cup goal, and his third goal of the season across all competitions. Thórhallsson is also the fifth player in Club history to score in Leagues Cup.
- Facundo Torres recorded his team-leading 12th goal of the year across all competitions and his seventh assist in 2024.
- Ramiro Enrique picked up his sixth goal of the season across all competitions to go along with his first assist of the year.
- Enrique has now scored a goal in the last five consecutive games across all competitions for the Lions.
- Assisting on Enrique’s goal, Torres passes Kaká for sole possession of fourth place on the Club’s all-assist chart.
- Martín Ojeda earned his fifth goal of the year across all competitions. Ojeda also set a new Club record with his seventh straight game with a goal contribution (Three goals and four assists), breaking Daryl Dike’s previous record of six-straight matches.
- Nico Lodeiro now has 11 assists on the year across all competitions, which leads the Club.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja made three changes to his starting lineup from his side’s last match against New York City FC, with David Brekalo, Kyle Smith and Facundo Torres returning to the starting XI.
