CF Montreal keeps rolling, blanks Orlando City 2-0

Orlando City defender Michael Halliday falls on CF Montreal midfielder Mathieu Choiniere during first half MLS action in Montreal, Saturday, May 6, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Allen McInnis

CF Montreal have extended their winning streak to three games in Major League Soccer and four in all competitions, beating Orlando City SC 2-0 at Stade Saputo on Saturday night.

An own goal from Robin Jansson gave Montreal (4-0-6) the lead before a goal from Romell Quioto put the game to bed, handing Orlando (4-2-4-) their fourth loss of the season.

From the opening whistle, both teams looked to play to their strengths. Orlando enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and pressed high up the pitch, but Montreal found success through its wing backs.

Ultimately neither team could find a breakthrough in the first 45 minutes as play often broke down before any real danger was created.

The beginning of the second half was not nearly as even. Usually struggling during this period of the game, Montreal thrived, dominating the tempo for the first 15 following the restart and pinning Orlando in its own half.

At the hour mark, a scramble in the Orlando penalty area led to Rudy Camacho hitting the post. Aaron Herrera’s followup cross was then deflected off Jansson, giving Montreal the lead. Sensing blood in the water, the home side continued to press their advantage and doubled their lead just five minutes later.

After combining with Bryce Duke on the right flank, Herrera once again found himself in an advanced position with plenty of time and space. He then flawlessly picked out an oncoming Quioto who smashed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Montreal then saw the game out, keeping their fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions and extending their streak without conceding to 405 minutes in that run.

Both teams are back in action on Tuesday, competing for their domestic cups. Montreal will partake in the first Canadian Classique of the season against Toronto FC while Orlando stays on the road against Charlotte FC in the Canadian Championship and U.S. open Cup, respectively.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2023.