USL PRO News Release
Thursday, May 24, 2012
TAMPA, Fla. – The Los Angles Blues will try to maintain their strong recent form in USL PRO as they face their biggest test of the season so far with a two-game swing through the southeast this weekend. The Blues, who currently sit in fourth place in the standings, face both league leaders Orlando City and the third-placed Charleston Battery, two games that highlight a big weekend of action in USL PRO.
The Blues and Lions kick off the weekend’s action tonight as they meet at the Florida Citrus Bowl in a contest that can be seen live via USL Live on UNation. The first meeting in the history of the two clubs kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
League-leading Orlando, which currently holds the edge on the Rochester Rhinos on goal difference, has been strong at home this season, currently sporting an undefeated record of 2-0-1 at the Citrus Bowl. The Lions are coming off a 7-0 victory against amateurs the KC Athletics in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday, which saw both John Rooney and Max Griffin find the back of the net twice.
The Blues weren’t as fortunate in midweek, falling in overtime to PDL power the Ventura County Fusion, but they are undefeated in their past four outings, including a pair of victories on their most recent road trip that saw them defeat Dayton 1-0 and Pittsburgh 3-0 two weeks ago.
Following their visit to Orlando, the Blues will make the trip up the coast to face the Battery on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, a game that can also be seen on USL Live. The Battery rallied to take victory in the Open Cup on Tuesday against the PDL’s Reading United, but have fallen twice at home so far this season to Rochester and Richmond.
Elsewhere, Rochester also faces a tough pair of road games as it visits the Harrisburg City Islanders on Friday night at 6 p.m. ET (USL Live), before looking for revenge against Dayton on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET (USL Live). The Dutch Lions became the first side this season to take points from the Rhinos last Friday, while also ending their season-long shutout streak in the process.
For live updates from all the weekend’s games, plus news, features, previews and game reports from around USL PRO, follow the league on Twitter (@USLPRO) and like its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/USLPRO).