MLS Orlando City SC

City Tops Philadelphia in Preseason Action

Published on March 16, 2021 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


After an intense week of two and three-a-day training at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Orlando City drove up to Clearwater and donned their 2021 Thick N Thin Home Kits for the first time, taking the field against the Philadelphia Union in their first scrimmage of the 2021 preseason. The Lions came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Alex Alvarado.

"I love the energy, the willingness to work," said Head Coach Oscar Pareja after the scrimmage. "And today was not different, the desire to win despite our stage in the preseason. But it was a good thing, and obviously the participation of the youngsters was a highlight."

Alvarado, age 21, scored for the first time in an Orlando City shirt after first appearing in a 25-minute cameo near the end of the 2020 season.

He wasn't the only young player to make a mark - 22-year-old goalkeeper Brandon Austin, signed this offseason on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, played 45 minutes and kept a clean sheet in his first action as a Lion.

"It's always nice to have a shutout with no goals conceded," said Austin. "So for my own personal performance and also for the team as a group as well, it's always good to start that from the beginning and make those good habits."

Pareja was impressed by all of his young charges in their return to action.

"We're trying to build on [the young players]," he said. "They're going to push us this year, much more...They are accumulating those experiences, and I hope that they can contribute to the team much more. They have already in their minds what this is about, and today was a good performance for the youngsters."

Orlando City will continue preseason training for the next several weeks, ramping up to its 2021 Major League Soccer season, presented by Orlando Health, beginning against Atlanta United at Exploria Stadium on April 17 at 3 pm.

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