Orlando City v Charlotte Eagles Tonight
There’s another big game in Orlando tonight as Orlando City take on the Charlotte Eagle’s at the Citrus Bowl with a kick off time scheduled for 7.30pm. The Lions USL PRO leading nine game unbeaten streak will also be put to the test over the next three days as they then travel to Wilmington, NC, for the first time for a Saturday match against the Hammerheads.
The Lions are no stranger to multiple games in a short span of time. Last Wednesday, City closed out a stretch of three games in six days, two of which were on the road, with a 2-0 win over Richmond. Overall, Orlando was 2-0-1 on the swing. The test this time around will be playing the home leg of the two game set first.
In their first meeting with the Eagles this season, defender Rob Valentino scored his first ever professional goal to give the Lions a 1-0 victory. Another win over Charlotte would not only give Orlando a 10 game winning streak. It would also give the Lions a key win in the American Division. Orlando currently sits atop the division with 23 points, three points ahead of second place Richmond while the Eagles currently prop up the table.
On Saturday, Orlando visits the Wilmington Hammerheads for the first time. The surging Hammerheads are making waves in the American Division. They currently sit in fifth place, just outside of the playoffs, but have also played at least three fewer matches than every team ahead of them in the standings. The short rest road test will be one of the toughest challenges City faces all season.
Orlando midfielder Jamie Watson has a special connection to the Hammerheads. After a disappointing stint with FC Dallas in MLS, Watson spent the 2009 USL-2 season with Wilmington. He had his best season as a pro with the Hammerheads, scoring 12 goals in just 16 matches. His MVP season in Wilmington revitalized his career and led to a move to the Austin Aztex and eventually Orlando City.
Kickoff Saturday in Wilmington is set for 7:30 pm at Legion Field.
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 – Kevin Molino, FW – Max Griffin
Available subs:
Sean Kelley, Dennis Chin, Jamie Watson, Ian Fuller, Kieron Bernard, Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell
