Gallese sees MLS as a new challenge

It took 37 minutes for the Montreal Impact to take a shot on goal during Saturday’s preseason match at Exploria Stadium. But the lack of action did nothing to lull goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who was eager to prove himself during his first outing on his new home pitch.

After a sleepy start without a single shot on goal, Montreal broke open a counter attack and Gallese sprang into action. He swatted away the initial shot, then stopped a rebounding shot from point-blank range while still on his knees. The sudden pair of saves made an impression.

With several years under his belt as a starter in Liga MX and with the Peruvian national team, Gallese brings experience and leadership to the Lions. But he also brings an intangible quality — an extra level of ability coach Óscar Pareja said will be a game-changer for the team in 2020.

“It shows the pedigree that he has,” Pareja said. “The keepers are to stop the ball that we need the most, and that was the one. They didn’t create chances, but they created that one and Pedro was there.”

At 29-year-old, Gallese already has forged his experience during 12 professional seasons — nine in the Peruvia Liga 1, then three with Veracruz in Liga MX. His move to America speaks to a shift in his focus at both the club and national level.

Gallese watched talented strikers continue to move to MLS, and felt he should do the same to continue to face a high level of challenges in goal. This offseason continued that trend — he played against Mexican star Chicharito for years for their respective national teams and welcomes the opportunity to face him at the club level.

In MLS, Gallese feels he’ll find a challenge that wasn’t available in the leagues where he used to play.

“While I was [in Liga MX] we couldn’t really reach anything important,” Gallese said. “I came here to play in the finals and fight for something. I want to add something to my career and I want to make history here in this club.”

Moving to Orlando also offered a new opportunity for Gallese’s family. His wife, Claudia, and their two children — a 1-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son — will move to Orlando to join him this week. He’s missed his family during their weeks apart, excitedly sending them pictures of their soon-to-be new home in America.

When each of the Orlando City newcomers was forced to serenade the team during a recent dinner at camp in Cancún, Gallese selected “Me Gusta,” the salsa song he and his wife danced to at their wedding.