Two MLS sides meet with international pride at stake when Orlando City SC hosts CF Montréal on Friday at INTER&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in one of the opening encounters of the 2024 Leagues Cup.
Familiar foes from the MLS Eastern Conference, the two sides will kick things off in the East 2 group, which also includes LIGA MX club Atletico de San Luis. It is one of two exclusive groups that feature a team from Canada, the United States, and Mexico — adding fuel to the duel for international superiority.
“I think that every game in this instance is difficult because, obviously, both MLS and the Mexican League have great clubs and great players,” said Orlando City defender Rodrigo Schlegel. “Every game is going to be like a final because these games — these international tournaments — are played like that, with a lot of intensity, with a lot of friction, surely, but we are prepared for that and to play a great game.”
The Argentine center-back, who joined Orlando in 2020 from Racing Club and turned a loan spell into a permanent stay, was a key player in the club's collection of its first major silverware — the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Now, the team eyes another trophy that could send them back to the Concacaf Champions Cup.
“The boys were talking about ‘let’s see what is the road to winning’,” shared Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja. “That for me is an honor. They want to compete and look for the best result. The prize is very good too. We want to be back in the cup, the international cup, so as we said earlier, we’re proud to represent Orlando in this international competition with no other objective than win it.”
Orlando City went undefeated in the group stage during the 2023 Leagues Cup but bowed out in the Round of 32 to rivals and eventual tournament winners, Inter Miami CF.
Josef Martinez, now with CF Montréal, scored three goals and provided three assists during Inter Miami CF's run to the trophy in 2023. This season, the former MLS Golden Boot winner has five goals and three assists for the Canadian club in league play and will be looked to for his goalscoring experience.
“I think the guys want to go after it and size themselves up against those really good teams,” said CF Montréal head coach Laurent Courtois. “It’s all a chance and a great opportunity for us to be in those competitions, no matter how difficult or challenging it might seem schedule-wise.”
CF Montréal did not advance past the group stage in 2023. Ariel Lassiter, who normally looks to create goals, is preaching defensive play as a go-to after last years’ experience.
“The biggest thing in tournaments like this is that we’re solid defensively,” said Lassiter. “That will take us further in tournaments like this, especially when you have two games, back to back.”
This will be the third meeting between the clubs in 2024, with the previous two ending in draws. If another stalemate is in the books, penalties will be needed to decide an outright leader for the top spot in the standings.
