When you come into the Citrus Bowl to the play Orlando City, you’re also fighting against the barrage of noise and energy from Orlando City fans. However, playing as a Lion, the fans can give you that extra push; just look at Sunday’s game against Real Salt Lake, although down 2 nil, Orlando City fans were never silenced or taken out of the game. For first year goalkeeper Joe Bendik, it was a sight to behold.
“It was loud, so loud! The entire game it was pretty awesome,” laughed Bendik. Often an intimidating sight to opposing team, Orlando City player have embraced the raucous crowd just as much as Orlando has embraced soccer. “It was fun and pretty incredible,” he continued.
Head Coach Adrian Heath agreed with Bendik, “The energy within the stadium by our supporters, they got us over the line. They made us keep going. That’s how important our supporters are. That’s why I always say we should never take our supporters for granted.”
In only his first season with the team, even Bendik can tell what’s going on here is special, noting the team chemistry in only their second MLS season together. “The guys are a close group. Once you start to get to know everybody, you can see why they did so well at the end of the year last year.”
Looking to build off one of the most exciting endings to a game in MLS history, Orlando City will face the Chicago Fire March 11th at the Citrus Bowl.
