ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC secured their first victory of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season on Saturday night, defeating CF Montréal 2-1 at Inter&Co Stadium. The win, a significant boost for the team following a challenging start to the campaign, came under the guidance of interim head coach Martín Perelman, who took the reins just days prior.
Duncan McGuire opened the scoring for Orlando City in the 19th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Iván Angulo’s shot struck the near post. Yet, the lead was short-lived, as Prince Owusu quickly leveled the score for Montréal in the 24th minute with a header off a corner kick delivered by Wikelman Carmona. The decisive goal came in the 31st minute, courtesy of Martín Ojeda, who finished a play initiated by Angulo and Marco Pašalić. The goal sparked jubilation among the home crowd and ultimately secured the three points for the Lions.
Perelman’s Debut Victory
The victory marked a particularly significant moment for Martín Perelman, who was appointed interim head coach following the departure of Oscar Pareja last Wednesday. This win represents the first by an interim head coach in the club’s MLS history. Perelman expressed gratitude for the support he received from the club’s ownership and board, as well as acknowledging the positive culture fostered by Pareja during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of unity and the collective effort that led to the win.
“First of all, I seek to thank Mark Wilf, the owner of this club. The support he gave me this week was unbelievable, as well as the support from the Board. Ricardo Moreira has not only supported me now, but has always supported me,” Perelman stated after the match. “Of course, I want to mention Óscar [Pareja]. The way he took care of us this week made me feel proud of the culture we have here. He knows how much everyone at the Club loves him.”
Match Details and Key Performances
The match saw a strong performance from Orlando City’s attacking players, particularly Angulo, whose involvement in both goals highlighted his impact on the game. McGuire’s early goal set the tone for the match, even as Ojeda’s winner demonstrated his ability to deliver in crucial moments. The team’s overall performance reflected a renewed sense of energy and determination under Perelman’s leadership.
CF Montréal, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from the defeat. They had previously secured a 3-0 victory over Red Bull New York, with Prince Owusu scoring from the penalty spot and Wiki Carmona scoring a brace in his first MLS start for the club. Carmona was subsequently named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 3, becoming the fourth player in club history to achieve this honor.
Historical Context and Upcoming Fixtures
Orlando City’s overall record against CF Montréal stands at 9-8-7, with 35 goals scored and 33 conceded. When playing in Central Florida, their record is 4-4-4, with 17 goals for and 17 against. This latest victory adds another chapter to the evolving rivalry between the two clubs.
The match also marked Dagur Dan Thórhallsson’s return to Orlando for the first time since being traded to Montréal on December 10, 2025. Thórhallsson had previously featured in 92 MLS games for Orlando City, contributing seven goals and four assists over three seasons.
Looking ahead, Orlando City will travel to Tennessee to face Nashville SC at GEODIS Park on Saturday, March 21st. CF Montréal will aim to regain momentum in their next fixture, details of which are yet to be confirmed. The result leaves Orlando City with 1 win, 3 losses, and 3 points, while CF Montréal also has 1 win, 1 loss, and 3 points.
Maxime Crépeau’s Red Card
Adding to Montréal’s challenges, former Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was issued a red card in the 16th minute of their previous match against NYCFC. This incident contributed to a 5-0 defeat for Montréal and further compounded their difficulties in the early stages of the season.
The Impact of Perelman’s Leadership
Martín Perelman’s appointment as interim head coach represents a turning point for Orlando City. His immediate impact, evidenced by the victory over CF Montréal, suggests a potential shift in the team’s dynamics and performance. The club will be closely monitoring his leadership as they navigate the remainder of the 2026 MLS season. The win also provides a much-needed morale boost for the players and fans alike.
The club’s ability to overcome adversity, both on and off the field, will be crucial to their success. Perelman’s emphasis on unity and a positive team culture could prove to be a key factor in achieving their goals. The upcoming match against Nashville SC will provide a further test of his leadership and the team’s ability to build on this positive momentum.
Orlando City’s victory over CF Montréal signifies a promising start to a new chapter under interim head coach Martín Perelman. The team’s performance, coupled with the positive atmosphere surrounding the club, suggests a bright future for the Lions. Fans will be eagerly anticipating their next match and hoping to see continued success on the field.
The next confirmed action for Orlando City SC is their away match against Nashville SC on Saturday, March 21st at GEODIS Park. Stay tuned to world-today-journal.com for further updates and analysis of the 2026 MLS season.
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