When Orlando City took the field at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the team was still processing a difficult week. The sudden mutual parting with longtime head coach Oscar Pareja had created a significant emotional gap. Under Pareja, the Lions had achieved 103 victories and claimed their first major trophy with the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. However, after an underwhelming 0-3-0 start to the MLS season, both sides decided it was time for a fresh start. As well, there was another reason for this to be a special night. Club’s founder Kay Rawlins was retiring and the fans saluted her and honored her with a beautiful tifo. She was the queen of Orlando for the longest time and was in every piece of history for the club until then.
Interim head coach Martín Perelman stepped in with less than two days to prepare. His mission was straightforward: find a way to dismantle CF Montréal’s rigid back-five setup and earn the club’s first points of the season. The result was a hard-fought, emotional 2-1 victory that showed the Lions still possess plenty of character.
The game was decided in a frantic 12-minute stretch early on, when all three goals came in quick succession. Orlando struck first in the 19th minute. Winger Iván Angulo unleashed a powerful shot that slammed off the near post, and forward Duncan McGuire was perfectly placed to slot home the rebound. It was McGuire’s first goal of the season—and his 31st overall for the club—tying him with former captain Nani for fourth on Orlando’s all-time scoring list.
Montréal responded quickly. Just five minutes later, they equalized from a set piece. Wikelman Carmona delivered a dangerous corner, and striker Prince Owusu rose to head it past the keeper in the 24th minute.
Instead of collapsing—a problem that had hurt them in previous matches—Orlando responded immediately. In the 31st minute, they regained the lead through a slick team move. Marco Pašalić and Angulo linked up well before laying the ball off for captain Martín Ojeda just outside the penalty area. The Argentine playmaker took a composed first-time left-footed shot to make it 2-1.
Although no more goals were scored in the second half, the match remained intense. Montréal pushed forward aggressively, outshooting Orlando 20-16. However, Perelman’s quick defensive organization proved effective.
Aware that Montréal had used a back-five system with hybrid wingbacks to frustrate teams like the New York Red Bulls, Orlando’s preparation focused on exploiting the spaces left behind when Montréal committed forward. The Lions took full advantage of those transitions.
In goal, Javier Otero stood out in his first start of the 2026 season. The young goalkeeper made four important saves to protect the slim lead. Perelman also showed faith in youth, handing Orlando City B forward Pedro Leão his senior debut as a late substitute to help run down the clock.
When the final whistle sounded, the sense of relief around Inter&Co Stadium was clear. This wasn’t just three points — it was a much-needed emotional lift for a club and fanbase in transition. The win also represented the first victory by an interim coach in Orlando City’s MLS history.
In his post-match remarks, Perelman shifted the focus away from himself, praising the players and paying tribute to his predecessor.
“Of course, I want to mention Óscar,” Perelman said. “The way he took care of us this week made me proud of the culture we’ve built here. He knows how much everyone at the club loves him. As for our players, the way they fought, the way they competed, and the way they represented the jersey—I’m really happy for this group.”
Saturday night wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was a resilient one. For a team that appeared to have lost its way in the early weeks of 2026, Orlando City showed that its pride and fighting spirit remain strong.
Vamos Orlando!
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