Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City welcomes the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to the Citrus Bowl on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. as the Lions look to continue their five-game unbeaten streak in the first meeting between the two franchises.
The Riverhounds have earned points in each of their last two games, both 0-0 draws against the Charleston Battery. With defense the foundation for the club's success, the side has recorded shutouts in three of its contests this season thanks to the play of 2010 USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year Hunter Gilstrap and 2010 USL-2 Defender of the Year Shintaro Harada, who has moved into a holding midfield role this season.
The Riverhounds' defense will be challenged by the Lions' attack, which has scored nine goals in six games this season. Orlando has found success this season when it scores first, with the Lions currently 4-0-0 when they score first. Look for Pittsburgh to defend the aggressive Orlando front line early in the match to not fall behind.
The Lions currently side third in USL PRO's American Division. After dropping their opening game to league-leader Richmond, Orlando has been on a five-game unbeaten streak. The Lions have recorded four victories in those five wins, serving notice to the soccer world that the Lions are here to stay.
But the Lions could be missing a couple of key pieces from their front line on Saturday. Orlando will likely be without leading scorer Max Griffin, who is tied for first in the league in goals scored (5), due to personal reasons. Along with Griffin being unavailable, Jamie Watson is out with a leg injury. Look for a different front line from the Lions if these two are unable to go, with Kevin Molino and Devorn Jorsling likely to step up and take advantage of the opportunity for more playing time.
Saturday night's match will be broadcast on USL Live, the USL’s free video service. For the first time, an Orlando City match will also be broadcast in Spanish on Viva 1160 AM radio. Additional coverage will be on the Orlando City website at the Game Center tab on www.orlandocitysoccer.com.
Orlando City projected starting line-up (unofficial)
GK – Miguel Gallardo
RB – Mechack Jerome, CB – Demar Stewart, CB – Kieron Bernard, LB – Jack Traynor
RM – Kevin Molino, CM – Luke Boden, CM – Yordany Alvarez, CM – Lawrence Olum, LM – Lewis Neal
FW – Devorn Jorsling
Available subs
Sean Kelley, Ian Fuller, Rob Valentino, Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell, Erik Ustruck