Orlando City Lions Archives - Page 2 of 2

MATCH PREVIEW: Lions Face Rowdies In Second Leg of I-4 Derby Saturday

Lions Face Rowdies In Second Leg Of I-4 Derby Saturday

Orlando looks for inaugural derby title in St. Petersburg at Al Lang Stadium

ORLANDO, Fla.—Orlando City squares off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second leg of the I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer on Saturday, March 30, at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Lions won the first match in the derby series between the two on March 9 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, rallying to down the visiting Rowdies 3-2. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m.

“We know we missed a good amount of chances in the first game against Tampa,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “It’s going to be a competitive game down at a tight field down there (in St. Petersburg). I expect a great game.“

Orlando has met Tampa Bay twice in franchise history, with both meetings coming within the last month. The Lions first met the Rowdies in the conclusion of the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic, beating the 2012 NASL champions 2-0 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The two then clashed in the first leg of the I-4 Derby just two weeks later, with Orlando rallying to clinch the victory 3-2 over the visiting squad. If Orlando wins or draws in St. Petersburg on Saturday, the Lions will take home the title of champions in the first of what both sides hope to be an annual series.

The 2013 Orlando City roster has seen change since the last time they squared off against the Rowdies. As per the agreement between Orlando and their Major League Soccer affiliate Sporting Kansas City, four players have arrived on loan and are now competing for starting spots. Those players include Dom Dwyer, Jon Kempin, Christian Duke and Yann Songo’o. All four have seen playing time in two collegiate friendlies since their arrival, making Saturday’s match even more crucial for each player as the 2013 USL PRO season starts at the beginning of April.

“Basically everybody is trying to get themselves into pole position before the start of the season,” Heath added.

The Lions play their last collegiate friendly of the 2013 preseason Monday, March 25, against the University of Tampa at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Orlando has remained undefeated in the collegiate series in 2013, topping college teams from Stetson, Rollins, FIU and FGCU. Admission is free and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. For more information about the collegiate friendly against Tampa and Saturday’s game at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Training Times:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Off Off 10-1130** 10-1130** 10-1130**

*Practices are held at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla, and are open to media. Times are subject to change. Please contact Chris Jones (cjones@orlandocitysoccer.com) on confirmed times before attending training.

**times a.m.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

City Re-Signs League MVP Kevin Molino

City Re-Signs League MVP Kevin Molino

Molino joins squad one month before home opener on April 14 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando, Fla.–Orlando City announced Wednesday the re-signing of 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino, pending USSF approval. The signing comes just over a month before Orlando’s regular-season home opener on April 14^th against the Rochester Rhinos, solidifying the squad as the Lions continue their 2013 preseason throughout the month of March.

“There’s no place better than home, so to speak,” said Molino. “This is the first place I played outside of Trinidad and I look forward to scoring more goals and hopefully winning MVP honors in 2013.”

Kevin Molino rejoins the Lions after an outstanding season on the field for Orlando. The Trinidad and Tobago international star claimed the 2012 USL PRO MVP honors after completing a year that saw Molino lead Orlando to a 50-goal season, an average of more than two per game. He finished the season with seven assists and three goals, but more importantly stretched opponent’s defenses to create more opportunities for the Lions frontline.

The midfielder began his career in Trinidad and Tobago, with the 22 year old representing his national team a total of 13 times in his young career. A key figure for Orlando since the team’s beginning in 2011, Molino has totaled more than 2,000 minutes in 44 games played for City over the span of two regular seasons. Molino tested the free agency waters over the 2013 preseason, spending time in Europe with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands and Zulte Waregem of Belgium along with scoring a goal for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Cup against the Dominican Republic on December 11.

The winger will immediately add to the already strong 2013 Orlando City side that Heath has called “his best team yet” in Orlando. On top of the Molino signing, the Lions have added Jean Alexandre, Bryan Burke, Freddie Braun, Brian Fekete and Jonathan Mendoza all within the last month, bringing the roster to a total of 18. Orlando is also expecting to bring on four Sporting Kansas City (MLS) players before the 2013 season start as per an agreement between the two clubs reached earlier in the year.

Acquisition: Orlando City (USLPRO) signs Kevin Molino

Orlando City Faces Italian Superclub AS Roma

Italian giant to play in front of sellout at Barker Family Stadium in Winter Park, Fla.

Orlando City kicks off the 2013 season with an exhibition match against three-time Serie A Champion A.S. Roma on Wednesday, January 2, at Barker Family Stadium in Winter Park, Fla. The game, which was announced only a few weeks ago at City’s second annual fan forum, gives soccer fans in Central Florida a chance to see top-level talent play against their favorite hometown team.

“It’s obviously a fixture we’re incredibly looking forward to,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We realize we’re playing one of the biggest clubs in the world. We know it’s going to be extremely difficult, but we just want to give a good account of ourselves.”

Roma, who competes at the top of the Italian football league in Serie A competition, have won three Serie A championships with the most recent title coming in the 2000-01 season. The club participates in the same league as soccer-super giants like A.C. Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. The team, which has USA national team star Michael Bradley on its squad, currently sits in 6^th place in the Serie A table with a record of 10-2-6.

A.S. Roma recently agreed to a multiple-year sponsorship deal with Disney and their Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla., with this the first trip to Orlando during their Winter break. Team officials agreed to hold a match before Roma’s flight later in the evening, with all ticket proceeds going toward the Orlando City Soccer Foundation. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit, the Foundation promotes exercise and healthy eating to the children and families in the Central Florida area and has done recent work in the Parramore area at the New Image Youth Center.

The Lions will be playing with a modified roster, fielding six-eight players from the 2012 regular season championship squad along with trialists brought on by Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath and Assistant Head Coach/Midfielder Ian Fuller. The preseason matches, Heath says, are a great opportunity to evaluate new talent.

“It’s given us an opportunity to invite one or two college graduates and see what they can do,” Heath said. “It’s something we can look forward to.”

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs,visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

Orlando City Soccer Club Announces Ticket Prices For A.S. Roma Match

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER ANNOUNCES TICKET PRICES FOR A.S. ROMA MATCH

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Orlando City Soccer Foundation

At last week’s Fan Forum, Orlando City SC announced a highly anticipated friendly against Italian club A.S. Roma on January 2, allowing fans to experience top-flight soccer during the off-season. The match will be held at the Cahill Sandspur Field and the Barker Family Stadium at Rollins College at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, with a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

Today, the Lions announced tickets on sale, with prices ranging from $10 to $25, available solely on OrlandoCitySoccer.com. Seating is extremely limited, and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the Orlando City Soccer Foundation.

“We are extremely proud to use this match as a platform to raise funds to benefit children in our community and further the sport of soccer, “ said Kay Rawlins, Director of Community Relations.

The Orlando City Soccer Foundation has recently held a series of soccer clinics with the New Image Youth Center on Parramore, also donating indestructible soccer balls to the children.

Roma announced a deal with ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex earlier in the year, making Central Florida their official winter training home. Team leaders also confirmed that the three-time Serie A champions will be bringing their “A” squad to Florida, making for an exciting matchup in Winter Park.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs,visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

Orlando City Soccer, We Thank You!

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review — Orlando City Soccer Club

Orlando City Soccer, We Thank You!

On Friday The Orlando City Soccer Club ended their amazing season in a loss to the Wilmington Hammerheads 4-3 in the first game of the USL Pro Semi Final.

At the Orlando City Soccer game the Citrus Bowl was rocking with intense energy! The Lions played their hearts out and left it all out on the field, The Iron Lion Firm cheered their faces off not letting their support waiver even more a minute, and the fans stood and cheered for almost the entire game. Shelley, Shalon and I were there for every moment in all of our red and purple and black festivenss! We showed up early to take part in the Pre-Game festivities and we stayed well after to congratulate the Players and Coaches!

We are extremely excited about our first season with Orlando City Soccer, but I can promise it wont be our last! We are all planning how we can bring you better coverage and information about this extraordinary group of players and fans next season!

Thank You to The Lions for showing us what soccer is about and how much love you have for the game, your team, the city, and your fans! We can not wait to see what next season holds!!

Here are some of our views of the Game Friday!

It was perfect weather for some Orlando City Soccer goodness!

Orlando City Soccer Club Is Ready To Take On The Hammerheads!

ORLANDO CITY REMAINS CONFIDENT IN HEADING INTO PLAYOFFS

Rivalry heats up in first-ever playoff meeting between the Lions and Hammerheads

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club begins their title defense on Friday as they kick off the 2012 USL PRO Playoffs against their fierce rivals, the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl.

“Like I say against everyone, we’ll give them the respect they deserve,” said Orlando City Soccer Head Coach Adrian Heath. “But we don’t fear anyone. We’re confident in our own ability to get the job done.”

The bad blood between the two sides has been brewing all season long, starting with the Lions defeating the Hammerheads 4-1 in the 2012 home opener. Orlando City dominated the game, and set the tone for a record-breaking season with the statement win.

Wilmington returned the favor when the City travelled north to Legion Stadium, and defeated the Lions 3-1. It was Orlando City Soccer’s only loss of the USL PRO season. Orlando’s players and coaching staff haven’t forgotten.

“We scored first, early on, but we didn’t play well,” said Heath. “It’s tight up there, and that gave us some trouble. Fortunately, we don’t have that issue at home.”
In the two matches between City and Wilmington, the Lions have outscored the Hammerheads 5-2, but in the most recent meeting, the match was played to a 1-1 draw. Much of that scoreline was the result of the Hammerheads’ defense-minded strategy and willingness to sit and wait for countering opportunities.
“I think it’s difficult for teams to not do that when they come here to play us,” said Heath, referring to Wilmington’s defensive strategy. “Especially when we play well. I thought a lot of our football was very, very good in the last game.”

Statistically, the Lions dominated that final match, outshooting the Hammerheads 36-6. Though Orlando City Soccer scored only once, they also hit the post several times. The Hammerheads managed just one serious scoring chance, the result of a surprising defensive lapse from the league’s best back line, but they made it count. Orlando will be keen to avoid those mistakes on Friday.

“If we have that many efforts at goal again, I’ll be delighted,” said Heath. “That will probably win us the game. But it’s that time of the year now – play well and carry on or go home. Our memories of the final last year are still very vivid, very fresh. That will be out motivation on Friday, because we want to experience that again.
The match will be broadcast locally on AM 740 The Game, and will be simulcast on USLNation.com for those outside Orlando. Tickets for the match are still available, and start at just $15. For more information, call 855-ORL-CITY or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.

Player to Watch – Kevin Molino:
This season, as Dennis Chin goes, so does Orlando City. The 2012 USL PRO Goals Champion and Points Champion has been the Lions’ breakout star this season, and for good reason. He makes things happen. But behind Chin, there has been a far more important player pulling the strings – Kevin Molino.
Though he has registered just seven official assists on Orlando City’s 50 goals this season, there’s hardly a scoring chance the Lions have converted that doesn’t involve Molino in some manner. Like last year’s USL PRO MVP Yordany Alvarez, Molino pulls the strings in the City offense. His distribution skills are unmatched in the league. If Molino plays well, the Lions will move on to the USL PRO Championship for the second straight season.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando’s premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues. During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships, and was named the 2011 USL PRO Organization of the Year. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.