Orlando Begins Final USL PRO Season in Charleston on Saturday

March 20, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Orlando City SC News Release


Orlando, Fla.- Orlando City SC will begin their final USL PRO season on the road in Charleston, SC. against the Charleston Battery on Saturday, March 22. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at Blackbaud Stadium, as the Lions look to capture their fourth straight regular season championship and a second consecutive post-season title.

"It's highly important for us to start off the season with a strong performance," said Head Coach Adrian Heath on the upcoming match with the Battery. "Charleston always give us a good battle and I don't expect anything less this time around, but we'll be up for it."

City head into the regular season with momentum after a successful four-game run against notable Major League Soccer (MLS) sides at the annual Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic during their preseason. The Lions matched up against the Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls in the Pro Soccer Classic and went unbeaten in all four games.

With the recent MLS expansion announcement, Orlando has already begun comprising a talented roster for both 2014 & 2015, and the Pro Soccer Classic proved to be a viable test for the Lions.

New MLS signings, Kevin Molino, Darwin Ceren, Yordany Alvarez and Tyler Tuner displayed impressive performances in the preseason tournament, providing an encouraging sign for City fans as the new additions, coupled with the returning core, displayed attacking firepower against some of the premier sides in the nation.

Charleston, who have received five players on loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps, will be looking to make a statement against City, who defeated the Battery three times last season. The Battery will also be without Midfielder Mike Azira, who was transferred to the Seattle Sounders during the off-season. In 2013, Orlando held a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 victory against Charleston in the regular season, before ousting the South Carolina based side 3-1 in the USL PRO semifinals.

The match against Charleston will be live streamed via YouTube.com/theCHSBattery. For more information, visit OralndoCitySC.com.



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