Orlando City vs Cf Montréal Picks and Predictions July 12th 2025

Shorthanded Orlando City Look to Handle Struggling CF Montreal

Despite missing key players, Orlando City SC enter Saturday’s matchup with a golden opportunity as they host CF Montreal — one of the league’s worst-performing teams — at Exploria Stadium. Even without their starting goalkeeper and captain, the Lions have a favorable matchup to keep their Eastern Conference standing strong.

Want to back smarter MLS plays? Check out the sharpest MLS expert picks and gain the advantage this weekend.

Orlando City’s Depth Put to the Test

Orlando (9-5-7, 34 points) will be without goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Robin Jansson due to yellow card accumulation following last weekend’s 2-2 comeback draw with Charlotte FC. With both veterans sidelined, head coach Oscar Pareja is turning to youth and depth.

“The importance of the roster is that they need to show up now in these moments where yellow-card issues come or where there’s suspension or injuries,” said Pareja. “The guys that are waiting for their opportunities, it’s time to come and show that that’s the reason why they are here.”

Javier Otero, 22, will get the nod in goal. He earned a 4-1 win over D.C. United in his only other start this season. Meanwhile, rookie defender Alex Freeman returns from Gold Cup duty and could help fortify the back line.

“It’s great for the club, for the academy, for our process, for the community,” Pareja said. “We are happy for him and happy to have him back.”

Looking to cash in on Orlando’s depth advantage? Dive into our MLS Predictions and Picks for data-driven betting angles.

CF Montreal Continue to Slide

Montreal (3-13-5, 14 points) remains stuck at the bottom of the Eastern Conference after a 4-1 loss to Inter Miami and a midweek exit from the Canadian Championship at the hands of Hamilton Forge. The team has scored just 18 goals in 21 games and been shut out eight times — a glaring offensive problem.

Prince Owusu leads the team with eight goals, but the supporting cast has struggled. Since the firing of Laurent Courtois after a 0-4-1 start, interim coach Marco Donadel is trying to foster belief and accountability.

“The goal from now through the end of the season — for me, for the staff, for the players — is to show that we all want to be here,” Donadel said. “Because we love this team, and without that, you can’t build.”

Unlock Access to Top MLS Playmakers

Insiders only.

Register Today

Montreal is just two points from the bottom of the league table and has scored more than one goal only four times all season.

Build your confidence before kickoff with our powerful soccer betting guide for smarter matchday decisions.

With Orlando navigating key absences and Montreal desperate to prove it belongs, Saturday’s clash offers intriguing betting angles. Check out the latest MLS Betting Picks to make your play on this East vs. East clash.