Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Thursday, July 26, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club welcomes the Charleston Battery to the Florida Citrus Bowl for the final time during the 2012 USL PRO Regular Season on Friday night, and the Regular Season Championship is on the line. A win by Orlando City would clinch the 2012 title for the Lions. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Orlando and Charleston have met twice this season, most recently on July 19. The Battery took a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute only to have Orlando City score a goal in the final 30 seconds of regulation. Former Battery frontman Ian Fuller then gave the Lions a 2-1 win with a header in stoppage time. Prior to that meeting, the Lions defeated the Battery 2-1 at the Citrus Bowl on June 9.
Friday’s match is the latest in what has become a spirited, albeit one-sided, rivalry between Charleston and Orlando. All-time, Orlando City holds a 6-1-0 record in the series. The two most notable wins came first in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup, and then in last year’s playoffs. The Lions also clinched the 2011 Regular Season title after defeating Charleston twice in one week at the Citrus Bowl. For the Lions, the opportunity to celebrate a championship in front of their rivals is at hand yet again.
Orlando comes into the match fresh off a frustrating 1-1 draw with the Wilmington Hammerheads on Wednesday night. Although City controlled the vast majority of the game - the Lions outshot the Hammerheads 36-6 - they struggled to convert their scoring chances. With the league championship on the line, expect Adrian Heath’s squad to be prepared and focused, despite a high-profile friendly against Stoke City looming on Saturday. By contrast, Charleston has not played since their crushing defeat to City last Thursday. Look for the Battery to be out for revenge.
Friday’s match is being viewed by many as a potential USL PRO Championship Game preview. Orlando City has dominated USL PRO play, losing just once all season. Charleston has been a dominant force in the league as well, and has bounced between second and third place all year. The Battery sit in third coming into the game, but are just two points behind second-placed Rochester with two games in hand.
Following the conclusion of the match, the Lions will honor Midfielder James O’Connor, who recently completed his 500th senior team appearance in his professional career. Should Orlando City win, the O’Connor ceremony will follow a trophy presentation.
Friday’s match will be broadcast both on USLNation.com and AM 740 the Game on the radio. Onda Mexicana Radio 1340 will carry the broadcast in Spanish. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling 855-ORL-CITY. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
Player to Watch - Matt Luzunaris
No player is having a better run of form for Orlando City than Matt Luzunaris. Since returning from an illness, the former UCF Knight has scored seven goals, including one in each of the last four games. Moreso, Luzunaris has a knack for scoring big goals at big moments. His last two goals have come after the 80th minute, and both have tied the match after the Lions fell behind.
With a goal on Friday, Luzunaris will not only tie himself with Charleston’s Nicky Paterson for the USL PRO lead, he will also tie the team record for most goals in a season at nine. The record was set by Max Griffin, who is now on loan with the Los Angeles Blues.
Luzunaris summed up his desire for a title following Wednesday’s match.
“I’m ready to eat. I’m hungry for the regular season title. I’m hungry for the championship itself. I’m ready to take it all.”