Orlando City News Release - www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Friday, August 5, 2011
ORLANDO – Saturday night is a potentially a historic night for Orlando City. With a win against the Charleston Battery, the Lions can clinch the 2011 USL PRO regular season championship with one game remaining to play. The win would also give Orlando home field advantage throughout the playoffs and USL PRO championship game.
“We set out to win the championship from Day 1,” Head Coach Adrian Heath said. “I have been saying that all year and nothing has changed that expectation. Winning the regular season crown is big to me, and right now we are only a win away. We just have to take care of business on Saturday.”
Orlando City comes in to the match confident of its ability to defeat Charleston. The Lions and Battery have clashed three times this season, with City coming away the victors twice. The most recent of those wins was Wednesday night, a 1-0 victory powered by a Jamie Watson goal in the 16th minute. With the league title within their grasp, the Lions will surely be focused and ready to win the regular season title for the fans.
“It would be great and be a big thanks to the fans,” said Lions defender Rob Valentino. “They’ve given us so much and it would just be a way that we could give back to them.”
Valentino is one of three Lions returning to the City lineup on Saturday. He has missed the past three games due to a suspension stemming from the July 8 match against Dayton. Also returning for Orlando are defender Erik Ustruck and midfielder Lawrence Olum. Both players have been injured, but are now cleared to play.
Tickets for Saturday’s potentially historic match are available by calling 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489). Tickets start as low as $12.