July 5, 2025; Charlotte, Northern Carolina, USA; Orlando City defender Kyle Smith (24) led the ball for his goalkeeper against Charlett FC during the second half at the Bank of America Stadium. Compulsory Credit: Jim Deadmon-Imgon Picture Orlando City would be without its early goalkeeper and their captain when they will host a zero CF Montreal side on Saturday.
Pedro Gallis and defender Robin Janson will sit out of the match due to the accumulation of yellow card after booked in a 2–2 draw against Charlotte FC last week. Their absence open opportunities for young players to take steps to Orlando (9-5–7, 34 digits).
Coach Oscar Pereja said, “The importance of roster is that he needs to show in these moments where yellow card issues come or where there are suspension or injuries,” said coach Oscar Pereja. “Those who are waiting for their opportunities, this is the time to come and show that they are here.”
Xavier Otaro will fill for Galis in Golis, which will start their second MLS season. The 22-year-old started for Lions in a 4–1 win against DC United in March.
Lions would have returned Alex Freeman after Rocky Defender competed for the United States for the United States.
“This is very good for the club, for the academy, for our process, for the community,” Pereja said. “We are happy for him and are happy to find him back.”
Orlando held rallies with a deficiency of 2–0 to score a point against Charlotte and in his last four matches 2–1-1. Although all these have lost only five MLS matches in the season, three of them have come in their last six.
On the other hand, a pathetic season continues for CF Montreal (3–13–5, 14 digits). After winning two of his last three matches, the Canadian side lost 4–1 by Miami’s margin last week. Prince Ovsu’s eighth goal of the team-Agni season opened scoring before the visitors’ rally.
On Wednesday, Montreal was removed from the Canadian Championship against the Canadian Premier League’s Hamilton Forge with a 2–2 draw, winning 1–0 in the first match in May.
Crime has been a season-long struggle for CF Montreal, who scored 18 goals in 21 matches, the third first in MLS. They have been closed eight times and have scored more than one goal only four times. Four matches in which he has been vacated, he came under former head coach Laurent Cortois, which was fired after starting 0-4–1.
Interim coach Marco Donadale said, “Through the end of the season, the goal from now on – for me, for the players – it is to show that we all want to live here.” “Because we love this team, and without it, you cannot build. Certainly, it is easy to say. We have to prove it by working.”
The Montreal is final in the Eastern Conference and overall there are just two points from the last place in the league.
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