Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Friday, August 26, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City sits just two wins from glory and a USL PRO championship, but before the Lions can hoist the trophy they must defeat the Richmond Kickers in Saturday’s American Division Final. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl.
The Kickers and Lions have faced each other twice this season, splitting the season series. The home team won both games, and both games ended 2-0. Those results have both squads fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. There is no shortage of respect for what each club has accomplished this season.
“I’ve said all along that in order to win the title we’d have to go through Richmond again,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “They’ve beaten two or three MLS clubs in the U.S. Open Cup. This will be our toughest game yet.”
“I watched their Charleston playoff match and they were mesmerizing,” said Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw. “Their movement, interchange of position and precise passing will be difficult to stop. We will need to defend very well, stay compact, disciplined and focused for the entire game."
Each of the two previous meetings between Orlando and Richmond has carried special circumstances. The April 2 match in Richmond was Orlando’s season opener. The rematch in Orlando on May 25 came just 24 hours after Richmond played the Charleston Battery in South Carolina. The toll of playing on the road affected both teams, but this time around both squads should be fully rested.
Orlando’s key to the match will be to score first. The Lions are 14-0-3 against USL PRO competition this season when scoring the first goal.
“Scoring first allows us to play our game,” said player and assistant coach Ian Fuller. “We can dictate the pace, and take control of the match. When we’re in control we’re tough to beat.”
Scoring first is important, but the Lions also need to score early. In their last meeting with Richmond, City scored their first goal in the fourth minute. After adding a second in the 12th minute, the Kickers looked defeated. Maintaining that focus on scoring early and finishing the chances presented should see the Lions through on Saturday.
The side story to tomorrow’s match is how the Kickers will handle playing a USL PRO playoff game with a U.S. Open Cup semifinal on their schedule just three days later in Chicago.
“I think they’ll concentrate on our game Saturday,” said City midfielder Lewis Neal. “I think they’ll be well focused on this semifinal before they worry about the next one.”
Tickets for this playoff match are still available and start at just $12. To order tickets, call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489). Tickets will also be available at the Citrus Bowl box office beginning at 4 pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
Proposed Line-up (unofficial)
GK: Miguel Gallardo
DF: Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor
MF: Kevin Molino, Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum, Lewis Neal
FW: Jamie Watson, Max Griffin
Substitutes
Sean Kelley, Mechack Jerome, Wes Allen, Luke Boden, Charlie Campbell, Devorn Jorsling, Dennis Chin