Orlando City SC Finishes Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Third Place

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review Orlando City SC

Orlando City Finishes Pro Soccer Classic in Third Place

After a draw in regulation, both sides forgo routine penalty-kicks

 

In the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic third place match, Orlando City SC drew the New York Red Bulls 4-4 on Saturday, March 1, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With Orlando and New York electing to forgo a decision by penalty kicks, both sides will finish the Pro Soccer Classic in third place.

“Despite allowing two or three poor goals, there were a lot of pleasing moments for us, especially going forward,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the match. “As their coaches just said, we’re difficult to contain with the way we move the ball.”

After controlling possession early in the match, a miscommunication in the New York defense would provide a golden opportunity for new signing Corey Hertzog. Going against the club who drafted him in 2011, Hertzog was in pursuit of a long-floated ball from Darwin Ceren. 

Ceren’s ball seemed to be an easy clearance for the Red Bulls defense, but Defender Kosuke Kimura accidentally headed it past Goalkeeper Luis Robles who was on his way to clear the danger away. Hertzog was lurking in the area and slotted it home to give Orlando a 1-0 lead.

In light of Hertzog’s early goal, Orlando would get into their rhythm, and Molino and Hertzog would create a few opportunities that kept Robles honest. 

On the other end, the 2013 Supporter Shield winners weren’t shy of going forward either and showed why they were one of the best sides in MLS last year. In response to a cracking effort from Molino that hit the cross-bar, New York progressed their way down the pitch and equalized the match in the 28th minute.

After receiving the ball on the right-hand-side, Midfielder Lloyd Sam whipped in a driven cross to the near-post and Bradley Wright-Phillips was there to place it past Gallardo.

The equalizer from New York was arguably a fair reflection of the first-half, as neither side was ever in full-control of the game. Nevertheless, despite not having as much time on the ball in comparison to the matches in the group-stages, Orlando still looked dangerous in spurts.

Midfielder Darwin Ceren has quickly become a fan-favorite for his contributions on the pitch, and was a key facilitator in City’s attacking plays. As a result, Orlando would create the best chance of the match, in the 43rd minute, after several probing efforts.

After good build-up play on the left-hand side, City worked the ball across the edge of the area to Yordany Alvarez who hit a powerful volley that forced Robles to push it over the bar and into the supporters section.

The play leading up to Alvarez’s effort was almost an identical replication of Darwin Ceren’s first goal for the Lions against Columbus Crew.

Orlando City Soccer Disney PSC 2014 Orlando City SC
Photo: Alison Petro

To begin the second half, Heath brought on Dennis Chin for Hertzog as his only change during the intermission.

Within two minutes of entering the game, the Chin would score his second goal of the preseason. After Molino earned a corner, Alvarez whipped the ball to the near-post for Chin who nodded it past Robles Robles.

However, Orlando had very little time to celebrate as Wright-Phillips tapped home his second goal of the game in the 50th minute. Wright-Phillips, the brother of former England-international Sean Wright-Phillips, used his pace to get in behind the Orlando defense on several occasions but Gallardo maintained his excellent form with notable key saves.

But in the 68th minute, New York would get the better of the Mexican goalkeeper when Ibrahim Sekagaya scored a tap in. Gallardo made a quality save on the initial free-kick from Orlando-native Dax McCarty, but Sekagya was there to tuck it away after City failed to clear it away.

In the ensuing moments after Sekagya’s goal, Orlando would not lose their fighting spirit and Adama Mbengue, who came on as a substitute in the 57th minute, provided an equalizer in 76th minute.

Stemming from another Yordany Alvarez corner-kick, Mbengue blasted a screamer from the edge of the area that flew into the top-corner. 

Nevertheless, Midfielder Jonny Steele would respond with the Red Bull’s fourth goal of the match, only two minutes later.

Steele’s goal marks the second consecutive game in which Orlando has allowed four goals. However, similar to the Columbus match, City would respond and level the game at four goals apiece.

Orlando’s goal occurred after beautiful build-up play in the midfield that allowed Mbengue to release Molino in behind. The Trinidadian quickly latched on to the ball and dinked it by Robles.

“We played a pretty good New York side tonight and I think we made a good account for ourselves by finishing the tournament unbeaten,” added Heath. 

With neither side being able to break the dead-lock in regulation, the match would finish as a 4-4 draw. After the final whistle, both clubs opted to forgo the routine penalty-kicks and conclude the Pro Soccer Classic with a tie for third place.

Orlando City’s next preseason match will take place on March 8 against Florida International University (FIU). Kick-off is set for 3 p.m., and the match will occur at Seminole Soccer Complex.

For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com

Orlando City Soccer Club Match Recap

 

Team                         1    2    Final

 

Orlando City SC              1    3    4

 

New York Red Bulls       1    3    4

 

Scoring Summary:

 

ORL- Corey Hertzog (unassisted) 7’

 

NY- Bradley Wright-Phillips (Lloyd Sam) 28’

 

ORL- Dennis Chin (Yordany Alvarez) 47’

 

NY- Bradley Wright-Phillips (Jonny Steele) 50’

 

NY- Ibrahim Sekagya (Unassisted) 68’

 

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Unassisted) 76’

 

NY- Jonny Steele (Peguy Luyindula) 78’

 

ORL- Kevin Molino (Adama Mbengue) 85’

 

Lineups/Substitutions:

 

Orlando City SC- GK Miguel Gallardo, D Mason Trafford (Trial), Rob Valentino, Luke Boden, Tyler Turner (Jordan Cyrus trial 48’), M James O’Connor (Anthony Pulis 57’), Yordany Alvarez, Austin Da Luz (Adama Mbengue 57’), Darwin Ceren, Kevin Molino, Corey Hertzog (Dennis Chin 46’)

 

New York Red Bulls- GK Luis Robles, D Ibrahim Sekagya, Armando, Kosuke Kimura, Chris Duvall, M Lloyd Sam, Jonny Steele, Dax McCarty, Eric Alexander, F Peguy Luyindala, Bradley Wright-Phillips 

 

Match Facts:

 

Time of Match: 6:00 p.m. EST

 

Weather: — Clear

Orlando City Soccer

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

 

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Orlando City SC Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City SC Announces

Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Lions to play Chicago Fire on Feb. 11 at IMG Academy in Bradenton; college friendly series part of 2014 preseason

Orlando City SC announced Wednesday the club’s 2014 preseason schedule, featuring a match against Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire on Tuesday, February 11 at IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. A series of collegiate friendlies across Central Florida will also take place, leading up to the 2014 USL PRO season.

The collegiate section of the schedule includes matches against Florida International University, Stetson University, Rollins College and the University of South Florida. Fans are welcome to attend friendlies throughout the preseason.

Orlando City will also be participating in the annual Disney Pro Soccer Classic held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Pro Soccer Classic begins on Wednesday, February 19, and runs through Saturday, March 1.  The Lions will face such prominent MLS sides as the Philadelphia Union (February 19), Toronto FC (February 22) and the Columbus Crew (February 26).

Season ticket holders will be able to claim a special discount for all Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches by calling (855) ORL-CITY. 2014 season tickets are still available to the general public but are going fast. Fans can call the same number for more information.

Orlando City SC Friendlies Schedule:

Date Time Opponent Admission Parking Location
February 11 7 p.m. Chicago Fire (MLS) Starts at $9 for children, and $13 for adults Available around soccer facility 5500 34th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34210
February 19 6 p.m. Philadelphia Union (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 22 8 p.m. Toronto FC (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 26 6 p.m. Columbus Crew (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 1 TBD TBD (PSC Championship Game)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 8 3 p.m. FIU Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
March 12 7 p.m. Stetson Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
March 15 7 p.m. Rollins Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
April 1 7 p.m. @USF  (Corbett Soccer Stadium) TBD Available around Corbett Soccer Stadium Elm Dr, Tampa, FL 33617

*= Disney Pro Soccer Classic

**=Single session guarantees entry into two Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches

Orlando City SC

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySoccer.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

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Orlando City 2013 USL PRO Championship Match Preview

Orlando City Faces Charlotte 

Saturday In 2013 USL PRO Championship

Orlando City def Riverhounds
Photo by Allison Petro

Lions attempt to capture second postseason title against Eagles Saturday night

Orlando City SC (16-4-6, 54 points, No. 2 seed) hosts the Charlotte Eagles (10-5-11, 41 points, No. 5 seed) in the 2013 USL PRO Championship on Saturday, September 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Lions attempt to capture a second postseason title in franchise history Saturday night, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

“This is the final game, and we know what we have to do,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We will have another great crowd at the Citrus Bowl Saturday night and we want to make them happy.”

Saturday’s opponent, Charlotte, upset the No. 1 seeded Richmond Kickers 2-1 last Saturday night to advance to the Championship.Midfielder Chris Ramirez scored his second goal of the postseason and Nate Thornton notched the final goal for the victory.

“Their front three players will cause different problems than most of the players in the league,” Heath continued. “I wasn’t surprised that Charlotte beat Richmond. We have to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. I think if we can do that, we can win the game.”

Leading the Charlotte frontline is striker Jorge Herrera, who led the Eagles in scoring in 2013 with 10 goals. Charlotte is coached by Mark Steffens, who’s in his 17th year with the Eagles.

The Lions have played the Eagles twice in 2013, winning 1-0 in Orlando while ending in a 0-0 draw in Charlotte. The Lions have yet to fall to the Eagles in three years, compiling a 4-0-2 all-time record against the North Carolina side.

Orlando is in the Championship match for the first time since 2011. The Lions topped the Harrisburg City Islanders on penalty kicks two years ago, taking home the USL PRO Championship in the club’s inaugural season.

Tickets for the Championship game are available by calling (855) ORL-CITY. For more information on Saturday’s Championship match, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

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Orlando City To Host 2013 USL PRO Championship

Orlando City def Riverhounds
Photo by Allison Petro

Lions face Charlotte Eagles in 2013 USL PRO Championship at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando City SC (No. 2 seed) will host the 2013 USL PRO Championship against the Charlotte Eagles (No. 5 seed) on Saturday, September 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Eagles claimed their first postseason victory against their long-time rival Richmond as Midfielder Chris Ramirez scored his second goal of the postseason and Nate Thornton notched the winner for the 2-1 victory Saturday night. Orlando advanced to the Championship matchFriday with an exciting 3-2 victory over the Charleston Battery.

Orlando is in the Championship match for the first time since 2011. The Lions topped the Harrisburg City Islanders on penalty kicks two years ago, taking home the USL PRO Championship in the club’s inaugural season.

For more information on the Championship match against the Eagles on Saturday, including ticket availability, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Orlando City Soccer

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 OrlandoCitySoccer.com and OrlandoCityYouth.org.

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Orlando City Players Kick Open Foster Care Center

ORLANDO CITY SC PLAYERS HELP “KICK” OPEN COMMUNITY BASED CARE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ALL-NEW FOSTER CARE FACILITY

Orlando Open City Foster Care Center

— Soccer players donate time and toys to center   —

As Community Based Care of Central Florida (CBCCFL) geared up today for their grand opening of CBC West – a brand-new service center dedicated to helping parents best care for foster children – athletes from Orlando City SC spent time at the facility ensuring a special room was filled with soccer balls, signed autographs and Lions merchandise to inspire the children.

The new CBC West building allows Devereux, One Hope United, IMPOWER and CBCCFL to work closely together helping foster children in need.  In the past, each organization was scattered in separate buildings throughout the county.  And now with CBC West, they will operate on all cylinders with ease, including helping foster parents make appointments, visitation sessions and attend support groups for their foster kids.

It is no surprise that foster children are more likely than most to need additional medical and emotional support. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “about 30% of children in foster care have severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems.” By working together under one roof, these four organizations can work hand-in-hand to bring positive results to Central Florida’s foster children.

 Orlando Open City Foster Care Center

  • Community Based Care of Central Florida (CBCCFL) is the lead agency overseeing foster and adoption programs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole county.
  •  Devereux is a non-profit organization providing services around the nation for persons with emotional, developmental & educational disabilities.
  • One Hope United is an accredited, not-for-profit human service organization that provides a diverse array of high-quality prevention, intervention, counseling and child development programs.
  • IMPOWER is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mental health and well-being of children in need. They are focused on empowering the lives of those in need by offering personal attention, counseling, assistance and inspiration to help them succeed.

From visitation rooms where children can safely play with their biological parents to individual and group therapy, the new service center makes being a foster parent even easier.

Thanks to Orlando City SC players who donated time and toys for Central Florida’s foster children along with three Central Florida companies – McCree General Contractors & Architects, Michelee Puppets, and Blackrain Partners – the visitation rooms in the new building are now filled with cheerful and positive activities.

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Orlando City SC Win Over Harrisburg

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

Alexandre Scores Brace, Orlando City Lions

Grab 3-1 Win Over Harrisburg

Midfielder returns from national team duty with Haiti, scores brace in first half

Orlando City SC (12-2-6, 42 points) defeated the Harrisburg City Islanders (11-8-1, 34 points) 3-1 Saturday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. 7,311 supporters watched Orlando Midfielder Jean Alexandre score two in his return from national team play, leading the Lions to a crucial three points at home.

“I thought first half we played terrific and played a lot of really good football,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We dropped off in the second half but after all the travel and games we’ve played recently- the upcoming break is coming at the right time.“

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

Orlando began the match in fine form, finding open spaces behind the Harrisburg backline in the first minutes of play. The first scoring chance for the Lions came in the 20th minute of play, with the second Orlando corner of the night nearly converting for the lead. Defenders Luke Boden and Rob Valentino almost connected on the attempt, with Valentino’s header ricocheting off the crossbar and out of danger. Orlando kept digging, however, with their first score of the match following soon after.

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

Midfielder Jean Alexandre’s return to the Lions provided an immediate boost for Heath’s side in the midfield. Alexandre, who spent the last three weeks as captain of the Haitian National Team in CONCACAF Gold Cup play, converted Orlando’s first score in the 25th minute. After another corner attempt, Boden found himself free with possession- crossing in to the near post as Alexandre nodded it in for the 1-0 advantage.

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

The Haiti native wasn’t done scoring in his return to Orlando, with a well-played ball by Midfielder Jamie Watson finding Alexandre for his second of the night. In the 36th minute, Watson fed a charging Alexandre behind the City Islanders’ defense- with the midfielder tucking it in the back of the net for the 2-0 lead.

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

Orlando kept the scoring up as the match went on, with Forward Dennis Chin netting his fourth goal of the season in the process. Substitute Jonathan Mendoza began the play, with his effort deflecting right to Chin. The speedy striker slotted home the score inside the 18-yard box, giving the Lions a 3-0 lead midway through the second half.

A late goal by Harrisburg’s Lucky Mkosano put the visiting side within striking distance, but the two-goal differential proved to be too much as Orlando came out on top 3-1.

Orlando City SC
Photos: Alex Schierholtz

After a tough stretch of matches in the month of July, the Lions will now be able to take time and recuperate with their next game set for August 3rd at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The two clubs met on Wednesday night, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw in Pittsburgh, Penn.

For more information on the upcoming home match against the Riverhounds, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Orlando City SC Match Recap:

Team                               1   2   Final

Orlando City                     2   1   3

Harrisburg City Islanders    0   1   1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Jean Alexandre (Luke Boden) 25th

ORL- Jean Alexandre (Jamie Watson) 36th

ORL- Dennis Chin (unassisted) 71st

HAR- Lucky Mkosano (Yann Erka) 79th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Miguel Gallardo, D Kevin Ellis, Rob Valentino, Renan Boufleur, Luke Boden, M Christian Duke, James O’Connor, Jamie Watson (Jonathan Mendoza 44’), Jean Alexandre (Freddie Braun 73’), Adama Mbengue (Erik Ustruck 89’) F Dennis Chin

Harrisburg- GK Nick Noble, D Stephen Basso (Antonio Bua 74’), Andrew Ribeiro, Coady Andrews, Colin Zizzi, M Jason Pelletier (Matt Bahner 51’), Kenny Caceros (Jamiel Hardware 69’), Cris Hernandez (Yann Ekra 46’), Don Anding, F Jimmy McLaughlin (Morgan Langley) 62’, Lucky Mkosano

Penalty Summary:

HAR- Kenny Caceros (yellow)- 16th

ORL- Kevin Ellis (yellow) – 89th

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear/Light Rain

Attendance: 7,311

Orlando City Soccer

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 OrlandoCitySoccer.com and OrlandoCityYouth.org.

 

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Orlando City SC Draw Against Charleston Battery

Orlando City SC Lions Score First, Hold Off Charleston in 1-1 Draw

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Orlando Takes Key Point Away From Home Despite Playing Man Down in Final 27 Minutes

Orlando City SC (10-2-4, 34 points) played to a 1-1 draw against the Charleston Battery (7-2-6, 27 points) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., Friday night. After having a goal advantage early in the second half, the Lions went down a man – allowing a last-minute score to even the match at 1-1.

An unlucky challenge got the game off on the wrong foot for the Lions, with Winger Bryan Burke going off the pitch due to an apparent leg injury in the 8th minute of play. His status will be evaluated early next week.

Sporting Kansas City loanee and Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who was making his first start in league play in just under a month, made key saves for the Lions to keep the score line even early. One of those saves was in the 18th minute, with Battery Midfielder Michael Azira blasting a shot inside the 18-yard box only to be deflected out of danger by the Kansas native.

Orlando City Soccer Club

The goalkeeper continued to play at a high level throughout the first half, keeping Charleston scoreless despite multiple chances by the opponent’s frontline in the later part of the first half.

After the break, the Orlando offense turned up the heat-with the Lions capitalizing in the 56th minute of play. After earning a corner kick, Defender Luke Boden whipped in an attempt, finding Rob Valentino on the volley for the 1-0 advantage.

Despite the 1-0 lead, the Lions went down to 10 men after Midfielder Adama Mbengue was shown a straight red card with a challenge on the Battery in the 63rd minute of play. The man-down put Orlando at a disadvantage for the rest of the match, with Charleston capitalizing in the final minutes of regulation.

The Battery came on the offensive in the final parts of the match, attacking open spaces in the Orlando backline. The Charleston side knocked it even in the 89th minute, with Haviel Cordoves’ shot deflecting past Kempin to even the score line at 1-1. The Lions held off another late charge by the home team, taking a key point away from Orlando in the draw.

With the result, Orlando stretches their lead atop the league table over second-place Harrisburg City Islanders (31 points) by a full three points.

Orlando returns home for a rematch against the Battery on Thursday, July 11, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. For more information on the upcoming Charleston match, including ticket prices and more, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Match Recap:

Team                      1    2    Final

Orlando City              0    1    1

Charleston Battery        0    1    1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Rob Valentino (Luke Boden) 56th

CRL- Haviel Cordoves (unassisted) 89th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Jon Kempin, D Bryan Burke (Erik Ustruck 9’), Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Renan Boufleur, M Jonathan Mendoza (Brian Fekete 77’), Anthony Pulis, Adama Mbengue, James O’Connor (Freddie Braun 46’), F Dennis Chin (Long Tan 77’), Jamie Watson (Christian Duke 45’)

Charleston Battery- GK Odisnel Cooper, D Mark Wiltse, Colin Falvey, Kenneth Ellison (Haviel Cordoves 73’), Emmanuel Adjetey, M Jarad Van Schaik (Bryce Alderson 69’), Quinton Griffith (Zachary Prince 81’), Nicholas Paterson, Michael Azira, F Jose Cuevas, Dane Kelley

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Red) 63rd

CRL- Nicholas Paterson (Yellow) 81st

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 4,387

Orlando City Soccer

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.

 

 

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Sporting Kansas City Recalls Striker Dom Dwyer From Orlando City SC

Sporting Kansas City Recalls Striker Dom Dwyer from Orlando City SC

Orlando City
Photo Credit: Allison Petro

League-leading scorer recalled by MLS affiliate

Orlando City  (USL PRO) and Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer) announced Thursday that Forward Dom Dwyer will be recalled from the Lions, returning to Kansas City today. Dwyer holds the league all-time single season scoring record with 15 goals through 13 games played.

“We are always aware of the loan agreement that they (Sporting) could call him up,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We respect that decision and it’s something we knew that could happen. He’s a great kid to have around with a great personality, but we are going to continue on with our season. It’s time for one or two players to step up and continue that goal scoring Dom brought to the team.”

The striker broke the scoring record, originally held by Jhonny Arteaga of FC New York, back on June 7 vs. USL side Phoenix FC. Dwyer has a total of 18 goals in all competition in 2013, a franchise record for goals in a single season. In USL PRO action, Dwyer totalled 1,017 minutes and 31 points.

Dwyer, 22, was one of four Sporting KC players loaned to Orlando City in March along with Christian Duke, Jon Kempin and Yann Songo’o. A Generation Adidas signing, Dwyer was selected by Sporting KC in the first round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of South Florida (USF). He made two MLS appearances (including playoffs) during his rookie season in addition to minutes in nine MLS Reserve League games and two international friendlies.

Dwyer will be available for selection this Saturday when Sporting Kansas City hosts the Columbus Crew at 7:30 p.m. CT at Sporting Park.

The Lions return to regular-season action this Saturday, June 29, against the unbeaten Richmond Kickers (7-0-5) at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. with tickets starting at just $15.

For more info on the match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Soccer

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.

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Orlando City SC Announces MetroPCS Concert Series

Metro PCS

Orlando City SC Announces MetroPCS Concert Series

Local bands to play in concert series before home matches in 2013

ORLANDO, Fla.—Orlando City, in cooperation with corporate partner MetroPCS, announced the 2013 MetroPCS Concert Series on Wednesday. The concert series, which will feature local bands from the Central Florida area before each home match in 2013 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, adds to the already exciting gameday atmosphere at Orlando City matches as the club heads into its third year of operation.

“This is our second season partnering with OCSC as the exclusive wireless provider and we appreciate their efforts in delivering our message to the Central Florida community,” said Chandra Waters, director of Advertising and Public Relations at MetroPCS. “In return, we are proud to support them on their journey toward joining Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as introduce fans to the wide range of local music talent.”

Concerts will commence one hour prior to kickoff in the MetroPCS fan zone, encouraging fans to come and experience the in-stadium atmosphere before the opening whistle blows. The band lineup, brought to you by WJRR, for the first half of the season is below. The second half will be announced at a later date. This year’s fan zone will be the franchise’s busiest, with more booths, sponsors and activities than ever before.

“The fans of OCSC are in for a real treat this season with the addition of the Concert Series during pre-game festivities,” continued Waters. “From the moment they enter the stadium, there will be a palpable feel of excitement!  There will be something for everyone and we are proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the Concert Series, which will bring in some of the most talented local artists in Central Florida.”

The concert series begins with Dropa Stone at the Lions home opener on Sunday, April 14, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.  The band plays a rock-based style of music with blues, funk and reggae influences. The Concert Series will take place in the concourse area of the stadium and fans are encouraged to come early and enjoy the music before each match.

Lineup of bands through 6/29/13:

4/14/2013

Rochester Rhinos Dropa Stone

4/19/2013

Los Angeles Blues The Crazy Carls

4/27/2013

Dayton Dutch Lions B2BB

4/30/2013

VSI Tampa Bay Postera

5/4/2013

Antigua Barracuda Leaving Haven

5/25/2013

Wilmington Hammerheads To Be Determined*

6/7/2013

Phoenix FC Wolves Empire Theory

6/9/2013

Antigua Barracuda Savi Fernandez

6/22/2013

Fluminise Latin Band

6/29/2013

Richmond Kickers A Brilliant Lie

For more information on the concert series, visit orlandocitysoccer.com.

*Band for 5/25 match to be determined at a later date.

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.

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