MLS Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC Opens 2016 Season on Sunday against Real Salt Lake

Published on March 4, 2016 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Orlando City SC News Release


ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando City SC host Real Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. A year has passed since the Lions took the pitch for their inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) debut, and the atmosphere should prove to be just as electrifying for Sunday's #FillTheBowlAgain showdown.

Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. ET. Limited tickets are available at www.OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY. The match will be broadcast live in English on TV27 and on Real Radio 104.1 FM, and will be transmitted in Spanish on La Grande 1030 AM.

The Pregame Show will begin 30 minutes before kickoff on TV27 and fans will get instant match analysis with a 30-minute postgame show, immediately following the final whistle.

"Like every supporter out there, we're excited for the start of the season. There's obviously loads of optimism and we're just ready to get going," said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. "We're all excited about the fact that it looks like we're going to fill the bowl, again, and it'll be a pleasure running out there on Sunday."

Hosting the Claret and Cobalt, the Lions will aim to extend its unbeaten home-streak to eight, having won their previous four fixtures at the Orlando Citrus Bowl and outscoring opponents 13-4.

City enters the match following strong preseason performances, registering five wins in six games and showcasing dominant offensive performances, averaging three goals per match.

In addition to another sellout crowd, Sunday's match could provide fans with the opportunity to witness the highly anticipated return of midfielder Kevin Molino, as the Trinidadian is fully fit and prepared to play his first MLS match since May of last year. Additionally, the game could feature the purple debut for experienced goalkeeper Joe Bendik and defender Kevin Alston.

The two clubs have only met once before, splitting points at Rio Tinto Stadium last July in a 1-1 draw. The Lions went up early in the match on a fifth-minute goal from team captain Kaká, but the captain was shown a red card in the 45th minute causing the Lions to play with 10 men the remainder of the match.

Salt Lake evened things in the 28th minute, but City battled for a point despite being shorthanded.

Limited tickets remain for the season opener, which are available by visiting www.OrlandoCitySC.com or calling 855-ORL-CITY.

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