Laments for everyone after Orlando City SC match with CF Montreal | OneFootball

Once Orlando City SC players and supporters get over the disappointment of a third consecutive draw after an expected win, they’ll appreciate the achievement.

Orlando City SC arrived at CF Montreal with every expectation of a win. The team had plummeted to the bottom of the MLS Conference East.

Yet the Montreal squad brought a rare defensive scheme to the pitch to oppose the Lions. As a result, the Canadian side left the pitch with only its third point of the MLS season in a 0-0 draw.

It was the second consecutive game that required Orlando City players to fight while down a player following a red card. Defender Rafael Santos got his second red card in the 76th minute.

This is the third consecutive scoreless draw for Orlando City. The immediate Canadian Press reaction for their team was the same as that coming from Lions supporters and media. The team is doing a lot right, but not scoring.

As in their previous draws, the Lions executed a strong first half. They hit six shots, two on target. Montreal could only manage two off-target shots, although the Orlando goalkeeper stood ready to work, as always.

Yet Montreal did try for a score. Players were gearing up for a celebration during the first half when defender Dante Sealy appeared to get one in the net. But VAR was called on, and midfielder Samuel Piette was ruled offside.

That night and the next day, supporters were lamenting not getting the score. However, there were lamentable events enough for Lions supporters to express some grief. There was no referee ruling or VAR in Orlando’s case.

In the 60th minute, Montreal defender George Campbell took down Orlando forward Luis Muriel in the box. The Lions got no call and no opportunity for a penalty kick.

Orlando has drilled on getting a balance between effective defense and aggressive offense. The fact that Montreal players thought they had to risk suffering a penalty shot to keep the Lions from scoring means opponents can see the drill results on the pitch.

Next, Orlando City SC wants to show the results on the scoreboard.