Orlando City Falls Hard In Montreal 2-0, Snaps Six Game Unbeaten Streak
By Jhamie Chin, Orlando City // June 21, 2015
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City SC (5-6-5, 20 points) suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium on Saturday night, snapping the Lions’ six game unbeaten run.
Orlando City came into the match after playing 120 minutes and 10 rounds of penalty kicks against the Charleston Battery four days ago, aiming to continue its rise in the Eastern Conference table.
The Lions had a strong start to the match as rookie striker Cyle Larin found himself on the end of several close chances.
However, despite Orlando’s usual strong possession and near chances, Montreal produced the game’s first goal when Danny Toia scored a looping header over Tally Hall in the 35th minute.
Head Coach Adrian Heath was forced to make his first of three substitutions during a halftime, bringing on experienced defender Seb Hines for an injured Aurelien Collin.
As the half progressed, the gaffer also introduced Carlos Rivas and Pedro Ribeiro to provide the Lions with additional attacking options.
Both Rivas and Ribeiro provided a spark for City, threatening Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush with strong chances.
However, as the Lions made a concerted effort to push for an equalizer, the Impact took advantage of second-half substitute Dominic Oduro’s pace on the counter-attack, scoring in the final minute of the game.
“I actually thought we moved the ball relatively well in the first half, and I thought there was something in the game for us,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“Cyle could’ve conceivably had four. Pedro’s come on and had a couple. But we carried too many players today. Too many people let us down.”
“There was a lack of energy from too many of our players. We know we’ve got one or two that are hurting but in general, I’m disappointed with our effort. That’s not us. We’re better than that,” said Heath.
