Written By: Rafael Morazzani
Orlando, FL – Orlando City is ready to debut at their new stadium as they face Saint Louis FC for the official preseason friendly. The game will be held Friday, February 25th at the Orlando City Stadium.
This is the last match that Orlando City will play before the start of the season on March 5th, 2017 against New York City. Therefore, coach Kreis will probably line-up what would be the starting 11 for the season. Sunday, February 19th Orlando City had a friendly match against Toronto FC. Orlando City used a 4-4-2 formation. Coach Kreis line-up was the following: goalkeeper Joe Bendik; defender Victor “PC” Giro, defender Jonathan Spector, defender José Aja, defender Rafael Ramos; midfielder Ricardo Kaká, midfielder Antonio Nocerino, forward/ midfielder Will Johnson, forward Matías Pérez García "MPG"; midfielder Carlos Rivas, and forward Cyle Larin. From that starting 11, Spector, alongside Aja, are expected to be central-backs. Rafael Ramos is out for six weeks due to a hamstring injury, so Kreis needs to replace that hole in the right-back. As a left-back, there is a battle between “PC” and Brek Shea. The Brazilian started against Toronto FC, while Shea played for the substitute team. So, Kreis must decide between the young dynamic “PC,” or the experienced Shea. The rest of the team will probably remain the same. In the midfield is where the magic will happen. Nocerino and Johnson need to serve as the engines of the team, they are tasked to intercept other’s team play. On the wings, there is Kaka and MPG; they have the best technique. They will mainly focus on assisting, crossing, and shooting from outside the box. It is important to talk about Rivas’ change of position. From the wing, Kreis decided to use him now as a forward alongside Cyle Larin. The partnership has much potential. Rivas would most likely be the one acting as a second striker; receiving the ball at the three-quarters of the field. While Larin will work deeper, finishing every play by pushing the ball inside the net. Orlando City comes into this match after losing 3-1 against MLS runner-up, Toronto FC. Therefore, the Lions would want to win their last preseason match to raise confidence for the beginning of the season. Aside from winning, Orlando City needs to make a good performance that demonstrates that they are a playoff level team. Saint Louis lost against DC United 3-0 for a preseason scrimmage. Although this is not their last match until the beginning of their season, they will probably would want to give City a hard time and will try to win to boost their confidence. Saint Louis will play against the U.S U-17 Men’s National Team on February 27th, 2017. Expect to see a good match up between Orlando City SC and Saint Louis FC as both of these teams need a win for their confidence. Kickoff will begin at 5 pm. This will be the first match ever played on the new turf inside of the Orlando City Stadium.
Orlando City Soccer just opened their doors to the new Orlando City Stadium Friday. As Community Members, Orlando City Members and fans joined together for the Ribbon cutting ceremony.
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Orlando City Lions - MLS
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