Our prediction for this MLS match:
Montreal CF
Match Time & Date:
07/11/2021
21:30
Prediction: 3-2
Orlando City
A place in the MLS playoffs will be at stake when Montreal and Orlando City face each other on the last day of the regular season. Montreal managed to keep their playoffs hopes alive thanks to a 2-0 win over Houston, but they face yet another must-win situation in Sunday’s showdown. Even though all Assi, Thorkelsson, and Toye remain in the recovery room, we predict that the hosts are going to find the net in the decider.
The Lions failed to win the previous four league fixtures, and, as a result, their participation in the Eastern Conference playoffs is in great danger. Orlando City are one point away from securing a top-seven finish, but given their poor form in the regular season finale, home win should be considered. All Aguilera, Grinwis, Hope-Gund, and Rosell are out of contention with injuries for the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Jukka Raitala):
Columbus Crew full back Jukka Raitala was born in Kerava, Finland on September 15, 1988. Raitala started his senior career at Klubi-04 and after making 22 league appearances for the club, he moved to HJK in 2007. After ending his spell with Helsinki, the Finland international signed a loan deal with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
During his spell with die Kraichgauer he appeared for the reserve team as well and in 2011 he was loaned again, this time out to Osasuna. On August 28, 2011 he made his Primera Division debut with los Rojillos playing as a left back against Atletico Madrid. Raitala played for the likes of Heerenveen, FC Vestsjaelland, Aalborg and Sogndal in the past as well he signed for Columbus Crew for the 2017 season.
The Columbus defender made his Finland debut on February 4, 2009 in a friendly against Japan. It has to be noted that he represented Finland at the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship in 2009.
Highlighted Team (Orlando City):
Orlando City are a member of the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer. The Lions have been participating in the major league since 2015 and they host their rivals at Orlando City Stadium. The venue was opened in February, 2017 and the construction of the stadium cost $155 million. Orlando City finished the 2015 MLS season in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and they failed to make it to the play-offs in the 2016 season as well (8th place).
Brazilian ace Kaka is undisputedly the club’s most famous player and the former Real Madrid and Milan man became the highest-paid player in MLS history. His base salary was $6.6 million per year and it has to be noted that the Brazilian superstar found the net on his Orlando City debut against FC Dallas (friendly). Orlando City’s home kit is violet, while they wear white and violet shirts and white socks on the travels. The club’s official mascot is Kingston the Lion.
