ORLANDO, Fla. (August 22, 2016) – Following Saturday’s clean sheet in Colorado, Orlando City SC (5-6-13, 28 points) begins a two-game homestand against second-place Toronto FC (11-7-7, 40 points) on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Camping World Stadium.
The match will be televised on WRDQ TV 27 and transmitted on Real Radio 104.1 FM in English and on La Grande 1030 AM in Spanish.
"[Toronto is a] very well put-together team. I called them at the beginning of the season to be one of the best teams in the league, and I think they’re showing that now. Another massive challenge for us, but I think it comes at the exact right time,” Lions Head Coach Jason Kreis said. “We’ve shown improvement over every single week and this last weekend was such a nice defensive effort that I feel like we just need to add one more thing to it, which is to be a little bit better in the attack. We do that and I have no fears that we’ll accomplish the job.”
Wednesday will mark the second of three meetings between the two teams. On June 25, goalkeeper Joe Bendik made four saves and Kaká scored in stoppage time to lead the Lions to a dramatic 3-2 victory. It will be Bendik’s second game against his former club.
Orlando City’s 0-0 draw against Colorado on Sunday brought new additions to the starting XI. Júlio Baptista returned to the lineup, while midfielder Antonio Nocerino started his third game in four matches under Jason Kreis. In the back, José Aja and Mikey Ambrose both recorded their first starts for the Club. Sunday marked Kevin Alston’s 13th consecutive start at right back and his 14th of the season.
Watch Orlando City Take on Toronto Wednesday Night
Cyle Larin scored in the first match against Toronto this season and is fifth in MLS with 12 goals. Kaká has three assist in his last four games and has already eclipsed his 2015 total with eight assists. Bendik is tied for second in MLS with 89 saves.
On Saturday, Toronto defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-1 at Talen Energy Stadium. Giovinco and Altidore both found the score sheet for Toronto in the first half. Goalkeeper Alex Bono recorded four saves. Toronto has now won five of its last six games and is second in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto is led by its three superstars, U.S. national team captain Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore. With 16 goals and 11 assist on the year, Giovinco is tied with David Villa for the most goals in the MLS and third in assist. TFC’s 26 goals allowed are the fewest in the East.
With 28 points on the year, City is tied with D.C. United for the sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Lions still have ten matches to go and will play three of their next five games at home.
The Lions return to Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 28, when they host 2015 expansion rival New York City FC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and will be nationally televised on FS1.
