Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City has not lost a match in over two months, but the Lions face one of their toughest tests of the season Friday night when Antigua Barracuda FC comes to Orlando for the first time on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl.
Since its season opener on April 2nd, Orlando City has not lost a match. The currently 11-match unbeaten streak has Orlando City at the top of USL PRO’s American Division. Friday’s opponent sits in third place, eight points behind the Lions in the division. A result would go a long way in cementing City’s place both in the playoff race and at the top of the American Division.
Friday’s match is the first of three meetings between the Lions and Barracuda FC this month. A win in this match is key for Orlando City as the next two matches will come at the beginning of a long stretch of games for the Lions when they will play at least seven games in three weeks.
“How we play in this match will go a long way in determining what we need to do later in the season,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We’ll learn a lot about what types of players we need against Antigua. That’ll be a big help in determining how we handle that long stretch at the end of the month.”
Antigua comes in to the match fresh off a two-match home series against the Rochester Rhinos. Barracuda FC went 0-1-1 in the matches, losing 2-1 last Friday before drawing 2-2 last Sunday. After starting the season hot, Antigua has cooled significantly. They have not won since the reorganization of the USL PRO divisions, going 0-3-1 in four matches.
Despite their recent results, Antigua brings a potent attack to the Citrus Bowl on Friday night. Antigua gets goals from all over the field, but their primary weapons are Tamarley Thomas and Stefan Smith, who leads the side with four goals. Orlando City’s league leading defense will have their hands full with the tandem. Demar Stewart, Rob Valentino, and Miguel Gallardo will have to be at the top of their game to maintain the Lions league-leading goals allowed total (eight goals in 12 games).
Orlando City is celebrating Caribbean Night in honor of Antigua’s first visit to the City Beautiful. For tickets and information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com or call 407-536-5368 today.
Orlando City projected starting line-up (unofficial)
GK – Miguel Gallardo
RB – Erik Ustruck, CB – Rob Valentino, CB – Demar Stewart, LB – Jack Traynor
RM – Luke Boden, CM – Yordany Alvarez, CM – Lawrence Olum, LM – Lewis Neal
FW – Jamie Watson, FW – Max Griffin
Available subs:
Sean Kelley, Dennis Chin, Kevin Molino, Justin Fojo, Kieron Bernard, Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell