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Match Preview: Lions Face Group-Leaders, Columbus Crew

February 25, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


Orlando, Fla. - In their third Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic match, Orlando City SC will play Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew on Wednesday, February 26, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Lions, who secured a 1-1 draw in their previous two matches, will play their most difficult game against a Columbus side that has had two comfortable victories. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

"We just want to try and improve upon our last two performances," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "The second half against Toronto was certainly the best we've been so far, but we have to add another layer now. From my point of view, I'm looking at our ability to incorporate the things that we've been working on in training into the game and our ability to look better with the ball and without it."

Similar to the 2013 Walt Disney PSC, Columbus Crew is currently being hailed as one of the most impressive teams in the tournament. To begin the 2014 PSC, the Crew gained everyone's attention when the Ohio based club produced a solid 3-1 victory over the star-studded Toronto F.C.

Following the Toronto match, Columbus took a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union when Midfielder Federico Higuain scored a penalty in the 87th minute. Signed as the club's third ever designated player in July of 2012, Higuain has been in fine form so far this preseason, scoring two goals in as many matches.

As a result, Columbus (2-0-0, 6 points) is in complete control of the first place position in Group A, which includes Orlando City, Philadelphia Union and Toronto F.C., and will advance into the championship match. The Lions (0-0-2, 2 points) presently sit in second place and will have the opportunity to play in the third place match against either the New York Red Bulls or the Montreal Impact, with a win against the Crew.

In last year's thrilling showdown between Orlando and Columbus, the Crew won 3-2 when Higuain scored a controversial penalty in the 89th minute.

After a slow start in the opening match, Orlando City looked slightly closer to preseason form in their second game against Toronto F.C. During the first 15-20 minutes, Toronto created a flurry of attacking opportunities that eventually led to a penalty, giving the Reds an early lead. However, the rest of the match featured City dominating possession and controlling the tempo.

Midfielders and MLS signings Darwin Ceren and Kevin Molino were heavily involved in the Lions' ability to control the match, providing an encouraging sign for Orlando fans as the regular season draws near.

"I thought (Kevin) Molino and (Darwin) Ceren were the best two players on the field for both teams tonight, so that bodes well for the future," said Head Coach Adrian Heath after the match against Toronto.

Orlando would finally break-through when Ceren's corner kick found trial player Mark Howard, who nodded a strong effort by Toronto Goalkeeper Joe Bendik to level the score-line.

The match against Columbus will not be streamed by Orlando City SC or ESPN Wide World of Sports and admission starts at $20. The address of the complex is 700 S Victory Way, Kissimmee, FL 34747.

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