ORLANDO – April 17, 2015 – Orlando City Soccer Club (2-2-2, 8 points) strive to remain unbeaten on the road and continue building positive momentum on Saturday night when the Lions face Columbus Crew SC (1-2-2, 5 points) at MAPFRE Stadium.
The match will broadcast live on MY65, Sun Sports, Real Radio 104.1, and La Grande 1030 AM. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
"Columbus is actually one of my favorite teams in MLS. I love the way they play," said Head Coach Adrian Heath. "They probably play as close to us, with the way they try to get from one end of the field to the other, more than any other team in the league. They have a really good shape of play and everybody knows their roles and responsibilities within their team so we know it's going to be a really difficult evening for us on Saturday."
"The coaching staff has been really great with pointing out little things that can help us throughout the game, and so far through all six games we've taken advantage of that," added midfielder Amobi Okugo. "Columbus is a good team and they've shown that they have a successful system, but we feel like we match-up against them well."
Know The Enemy: Columbus Crew SC
Currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, City ventures into Columbus after snapping the Portland Timbers' seven game unbeaten streak at Providence Park - one of the most intimidating venues in MLS. Rookie Cyle Larin scored his first professional goal in the 30th minute, using his chest to finish Kevin Molino's cross--giving Orlando an early 1-0 lead. With six minutes remaining, playmaker Kaká scored his third goal in six matches sending Portland goalkeeper Adam Kwarsey the wrong way with his penalty. Kwarsey saved the Brazilian's initial effort, but Kaká was granted another opportunity after Diego Chara encroached in the box.
The win over the Timbers marked Orlando's second road victory of the 2015 MLS campaign, maintaining their undefeated away record so far this season. City's first win of the season occurred in Houston when the Lions defeated the Dynamo 1-0 at BBVA Stadium. Orlando's following away match featured a 2-2 draw against the Montreal Impact.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the East, Columbus Crew SC is aiming for their first victory since the second week of league play. After securing a strong 2-0 win over Toronto FC, the Crew SC have produced two points in their last three fixtures - losing 2-1 to the New York RedBulls and drawing Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-2 and the New England Revolution 0-0.
MLS veteran Kei Kamara is leading the Crew SC in scoring, finding the back of the net three times. Columbus' Argentinian Designated Player Federico Higuian has yet to score in four matches played.
