ORLANDO – February 27, 2015 – With the start of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season just around the corner, Orlando City SC looks to remain unbeaten as they conclude their preseason friendlies against MLS team Houston Dynamo, on the final day of the 12th annual Carolina Challenge Cup.
Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 28th, at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina. The match will be livestreamed via www.OrlandoCitySC.com/LIVE.
"It’s always important to get more minutes for the guys, and obviously there is nothing we could do about the weather the other night. It didn’t come at a good time for us because we need to get players playing, so tomorrow is really important for us, and we are looking forward to it,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “To expect to get 23 players all on the same page, knowing everything about their roles and responsibilities within the group in this short period is very difficult, but it is a work in progress and we have seen progress every day and every week.”
With a win, and a Battery loss or tie (depending on goal difference), Orlando City can capture the Carolina Challenge Cup. Currently, the Club sits in third place behind the Charleston Battery (4 points) and the Houston Dynamo (3 points), and two points ahead of fellow expansion team New York City FC (1 point).
The upcoming fixture marks Orlando’s seventh and final friendly prior to the MLS home-opener against NYCFC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8th. The Lions have played D.C United, FC Dallas, Toronto FC, Swedish first-division team BK Häcken, NYCFC and a shortened game against Charleston Battery, which featured Brek Shea’s first goal in purple.
The Houston Dynamo looks to continue building their momentum after defeating NYCFC 2-1 on Wednesday. Throughout their preseason, the Texas-based club has played seven friendly matches, including duels against MLS, USL, and young academy sides, registering four wins, two losses, and a tie.
The 2015 Major League Soccer season kicks off at the Orlando Citrus Bowl as the Lions host New York City FC on March 8, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
