Orlando City Vs Montreal Impact: 3 things to watch for – New coaches collide
By Harvey Cruz
2. Orlando firing on all cylinders
On the flip side, new coach Oscar Pareja has brought a swagger and confidence to Orlando City that has never been seen before. The attack is clicking — Chris Mueller has three goals to his name, Nani has a goal and two assists while Mauricio Pereyra has kept things ticking playing as the 10 — while defensively, they have conceded just one goal in each game and look substantially more secure.
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The result? Seven points out of nine, first place in Group A and third in the Eastern Conference behind Toronto and Columbus. Pareja, the former FC Dallas manager, has tapped into the talents of his players and his team is exceeding expectations. He now hopes to give the team and its fans a first-ever playoff appearance come the fall, but stated to reporters this week that there is still much work to be done to become a consistent force:
"“I see a lot of potential on the franchise and a lot of potential in the club. I found a team with a good foundation and hopefully the early success we’ve had can continue. It’s a long journey. It’s day by day. Not five or six games. It’s long journey. Hopefully we can make things happen soon and we’re in a good direction.”"
Orlando City have been one of the surprise outfits of the MLS is Back Tournament. Can they prove their consistency and continue their good form here?