Facing the Opposition
The Lions have taken two of the last three meetings with CF Montréal, both a pair of 2-0 shutout victories, the first on Decision Day a year ago and then again in the 2022 season opener. A pair of former Lions scored for the side in their 2021 meeting in Sebas Méndez and Daryl Dike, while forwards Alexandre Pato and Benji Michel found the back of the net in this year’s contest. The last meeting between the two clubs came on May 7 at Stade Saputo, with the home side taking a 4-1 victory from that affair.
El Maestro
Mauricio Pereyra extended his own Club-record over the weekend, accounting for his 12th assist of the campaign across all competitions and his 35th in his Orlando City career. Pereyra is the lone player in Club-history to tally double-digit assists in consecutive campaigns after posting 11 in 2021. With Sunday’s assist, Pereyra sits tied with Facundo Torres for the team-high in 2022.
El Cuervo
Facundo Torres continued his run of form on Sunday afternoon, netting his team-high 13th goal in all competitions in 2022 and his fourth goal contribution in as many matches for the side. Torres led the Lions in total goal contributions through the regular season and the Club’s run to the Open Cup title, breaking the single-season record with 25 to his credit (13 goals, 12 assists) to surpass former Orlando City captain Nani.
In the Postseason
Sunday will mark the Lions’ third-consecutive appearance in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, all of which have come under Head Coach Oscar Pareja. The Club made its first appearance in the postseason in 2020, defeating 2015 expansion rivals New York City FC in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout in the First Round before falling to New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The side then fell a year ago to Nashville SC in the First Round at Nissan Stadium.
The Bear
Júnior Urso netted his sixth goal of the year on Decision Day to level the Lions with the Crew on Sunday afternoon. The Bear’s six goals in 2022 serves as a season-best throughout his Orlando City career, with eight assists to add as well. Urso now sits with 99 appearances across all competitions for the Club, with Sunday having the potential for him to hit the century mark in purple.
Milestone Tracker
- Júnior Urso is one appearance away from 100 donning the City kit.
- Midfielder Mauricio Pereyra is three appearances away from 100 as a Lion.
- Benji Michel is one goal away from his 20th for Orlando.
