Orlando City SC must work their tactical advantage against CF Montreal | OneFootball

Scouts focused on MLS matchups are watching as CF Montreal and Orlando City SC drill this week. Standings watchers will ask, “Why?”

CF Montreal sits at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. So why should Orlando City SC players and coaches worry about their upcoming match? That’s the question that should have been asked by Montreal’s previous opponent, the Houston Dynamo.

Montreal left the pitch with a 3-1 win. Sure, they’ve plunged to the bottom in the standings. But the team that has nothing more to lose rose against the Dynamo.

Star striker Prince Owusu scored a brace and defender Jalen Neal added an insurance goal, his first for the team.

Orlando City players are a bit dizzy as they await the visitors at Inter&Co Stadium. They are winless in two consecutive and hard-fought matches. Yet, in the same conference as Montreal, the Lions are a solid no. 6. They have 34 points to Montreal’s 14.

So, how did a team like Montreal upend the Dynamo, sitting in the eighth spot of the Western Conference?

All scouts, including the artificial intelligence kind, find that a strong team’s attack will erode if Montreal gets many set-piece opportunities. They are not capable of creating many of their chances.

Jul 5, 2025; Montreal, Province of Quebec, CAN; CF Montreal forward Prince Owusu (9) plays the ball during the first half against Inter Miami CF at Saputo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images | Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

But if an aggressive team gets undisciplined and gives them a good set piece to work with, they can capitalize on it.

Orlando City lives on focused and disciplined aggression.  When the Lions have control of this playing style, those same scouts, again, including the artificial intelligence variety, give Orlando the tactical advantage in this matchup.

Orlando will have to launch their attack early in the match, with crisp and accurate passing. When Montreal attempts a counterattack, they’ll have to focus on containing Owusu.

That’s what Orlando City SC must do to prevent a stinging surprise like Houston got from CF Montreal.