With the MLS regular season now heading into week four, the inaugural Orlando City B match this past Saturday and the quickly approaching Orlando Pride opener, the Golden Age of soccer in Central Florida is truly upon us.
All three took to the training field today as they prepare for the week ahead.
Orlando City SC
Adrian Heath and Orlando City SC head out of their bye week with a Sunday night home matchup against defending MLS Cup Champion Portland Timbers. The week off came at a good time for the Lions as it looks like we could see the return of Kaká and David Mateos from injury. We may also see the debut of City’s newest acquisition Julio Baptista who is expected to backup striker Cyle Larin.
Orlando City defeated the Timbers in Portland last season by a score of 2-0. Cyle Larin scored his first goal of the season, chesting in a cross from Kevin Molino early in the first half. Kaká put the nail in the coffin late in the match by converting a PK that was drawn by Carlos Rivas.
Orlando City B
It was a rainy night in Melbourne as Orlando City B debuted against the Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday night, but that didn’t damped the atmosphere. While Wilmington scored a late goal to prevail 2-1, it was a good showing by the fans and players alike and just a taste of what’s to come in Brevard.
OCB stays home this week to take on a familiar foe in the Charleston Battery on Friday night. My recommendation? Do the double. Head down to Melbourne on Friday night, take in the OCB game, then make your plans for Sunday night in the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
Orlando Pride
We are less than a month away from the start of Orlando Pride’s inaugural season in the NWSL and preparation are in full swing. Tom Sermanni’s team will play in two closed door scrimmages this week. On Wednesday, they’ll head Tampa take on the University of South Florida and close out the week on Saturday against Florida State at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
While Josée Bélanger (Canada), Ashlyn Harris (USA), Alex Morgan (USA), and Monica Hickmann Alves (Brazil) will all be away on international duty this week, Australians Steph Catley and Laura Alleway will join the team for the first time.
