MLS Orlando City SC

Orlando City Returns to MLS Play Saturday against San Jose

Published on June 16, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - Following a three-week break for Copa América Centenario, Orlando City SC (3-3-7, 16 points) returns to Major League Soccer (MLS) play on Saturday when it hosts the San Jose Earthquakes (5-4-5, 20 points) at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is set 7:30 p.m. ET.

The match will be locally televised on WRDQ TV27 as well as transmitted on Real Radio 104.1 FM in English and on La Grande 1030 AM in Spanish.

"I know that this weekend means an awful lot to everybody and we know that the best thing that we can do is to go and try and win the game," Lions Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "[San Jose is a] typical Dominic Kinnear team. Well organized, will play from minute 1 to minute 90 because that's what Dom's teams do. We know what's coming. They certainly leave it all out there so we got to be ready for it, and I think we will. We all know it's going to be a little bit different, a little bit stranger day because of the surrounding issues but it's one that we're looking forward to."

The Lions host the Earthquakes aiming to extend their 13-game home unbeaten streak, while San Jose looks to reverse its road fortunes. The Earthquakes are winless in their eight road fixtures across all competitions this season, losing five while scoring only six goals.

Heath's side is coming off a 1-0 win on Wednesday against the North American Soccer League's (NASL) Jacksonville Armada FC to advance to the Round of 16 of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Orlando sealed passage to the next round with David Mateos' first goal as a Lion and an outstanding defensive performance from goalkeeper Earl Edwards, Jr. and the City backline.

In its last MLS match, Orlando made a thrilling two-goal comeback against NYCFC on May 29 at Yankee Stadium. Kevin Molino made a clever assist on Júlio Baptista's first goal in purple before equalizing on a fantastic header off the bar and in on Orlando's last touch of the game.

Molino and Cyle Larin lead the Lions with six and seven goals, respectively, as well as three assists each. Goalkeeper Joe Bendik is third in MLS with 47 saves.

San Jose is coming off two consecutive losses to the Portland Timbers. The Quakes fell 1-0 to Portland in their last MLS match before losing 2-0 in Open Cup play on Tuesday. Chris Wondolowski leads the Earthquakes with seven goals in 12 matches. Quincy Amarikwa leads the team with three assists.

This is the second-ever encounter between Orlando City and San Jose. In 2015, the teams split a 1-1 draw at Levi's Stadium, when Kaká scored from the penalty spot in the 64th minute before Wondolowski did the same four minutes later.

Saturday's game will be dedicated to the victims of the tragic events that occurred last weekend in Orlando. Commemorative recognitions include t-shirts and posters that will be sold at the game, with all proceeds being donated to the OneOrlando fund. Tickets are being donated to first responders and support service personnel. There will be a pre-game ceremony and an in-game moment of silence. Further information on the commemoration can be found here.

The Lions return to action on Saturday, June 25, when they host Toronto FC at Camping World Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. E.T.

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