One and done
Orlando City loses at Montreal in MLS playoffs
In reaching the MLS playoffs for a third consecutive season, Orlando City faced a daunting task Sunday night in its postseason opener at CF Montreal.
The Lions had goal opportunities in what turned out to be a scoreless first half on the way to a 2-0 loss that ended their season.
Ismael Koné scored in the 68th minute before Djordje Mihailovic converted a penalty kick in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The host had finished second in the East and was the only club in the conference to win at least 20 games this season, entering the postseason riding a six-game unbeaten streak.
Sunday night marked Orlando City’s second road playoff game after having its season ended last year by a 3-1 defeat at Nashville.
Then the Lions had Daryl Dike, who transferred to West Bromwich, an English Championship side, before this season.
Uruguayan striker Facundo Torres was brought in on a club-record transfer free of $7.5 million to replace him. And even though he believes he’s had better seasons than this, Torres led the Lions with 13 goals across all competitions.
Torres also scored the game-winner on Decision Day last week via penalty kick in the 84th minute to complete the comeback for a do-or-die 2-1 home victory against the Columbus Crew.
The only way Orlando could’ve advanced and grabbed the seventh and final playoff was by getting 3 points.
“We are in October already and looking to have a good [match] at this time after the achievement of qualifying with this group,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said before Sunday night’s match. “I think it is even more important to think about advancing and that is where we are now. The group is very optimistic and very confident going to Montréal and fighting for our ticket to the next round.”
In Orlando City’s most
notable victory of season — a 3-0 Open Cup championship victory against Sacramento Republic last month — Torres scored two goals.
He broke open a close contest by striking in the 75th minute after Sacramento committed a turnover. Five minutes later, he nailed a penalty kick and the rout was on.
In its most recent previous matchup, Montréal routed host Inter Miami CF 3-1, backed by firsthalf goals from Djordje Mihailovic, Lassi Lappalainen and Kei Kamara.
Montreal next will face off on Sunday afternoon in a conference semifinal against the Monday winner of No. 2 New York City FC against No. 6 Inter Miami CF.