Bradenton, FL- Orlando City opened up their preseason Tuesday night against MLS opponent Chicago Fire at the IMG Academy Stadium in Bradenton FL. The Lions were unable to get on track all evening and their defense struggled significantly as they fell to the Fire 3-0. “We learned something about one or two of our players” during this match said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. And though the Lions fell to Chicago with a 3-0 defeat Heath reassures “we’ll get better as we move forward in the preseason.” |
As if sparked with a fire to drive them, both teams picked up the tempo pushing each other into their defensive walls. But it would be Chicago that pressured the Lions back into their territory several times.
Still Orlando City remained on their toes, alert as ever with a great clearance made by Gallardo. With the tension running high as Chicago’s offense gained openings for more shots on Miguel Gallardo who was able to make several great saves, intercepting passes between Chicago’s players at one point.
In the 29th minute, Chicago’s Daniel Jackson ended up with the ball just outside the box after a ill advised pass from the City defense and was able to send it into the back of goal increasing the Fire’s advantage. At the half, the Fire was holding onto a strong 2-0 lead.
Chicago’s defenses proved to be stable and the Lions were unable to get the ball in the back of the net all evening. In the 78th minute, former Lion Freddie Braun would close the scoring with a goal of his own.
As the final whistle sounded the Lion’s fan support was evident with their use of smoke and noisemakers, but Chicago came out with a 3-0 victory.
Chicago heads back home to prepare for their final round of spring training before opening up their MLS schedule against Chivas USA on March 9th. Orlando City will play their next preseason game on the 19th of Feb. when they face off against the Philadelphia Union at 6pm, in round one of the 2014 Pro Soccer Classic at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.