BAY LAKE – Orlando City SC advanced to the quarterfinals in the MLS is Back tournament after a 1-0 win over Montreal Impact on Saturday night. The win was the first knockout win in club history.
The breakthrough came on the hour mark with Tesho Akindele left with a simple tap-in for the vital goal. Mendez shot was only parried by the keeper right into Akindele’s path.
Things were tight early, but chances started to come in the 20th minute. The first chance was to Orlando. Nani managing to find Akindele who couldn’t put it away.
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Montreal’s best chance in the first half came from Samuel Piette in the 26th minute. After being found by Romell Quioto Piette’s header was denied by a good save.
That seemed to spark a good passage for Montreal who nearly got the opener in the 34th minute when a corner wasn’t dealt with, the ball bouncing around before eventually going out for a goal kick.
After the drinks break, the Lions seemed energized and should have had the lead. Jhegson Mendez made a run at goal and looked sure to score only for Clement Diop to make an incredible double save.
Mendez thought he had the opener in the 45th minute as he put the ball in the back of the net only to be denied by the offside flag. Akindele was just caught out by the offside trap by a matter of inches before laying the ball off for Mendez.
Orlando had opportunities late in the match but couldn’t make them count. It didn’t matter as the Lions held on for the win. They will now face the winner of LAFC and the Seattle Sounders but will have a longer recovery time.
Photo courtesy: Matt Stith & Devin L’Amoreaux
Florida Soccer Report 