Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The Weekly- 14

Lions Set Quest on Four Game Road Stretch

ORLANDO — Get in, get out and get the three points.

With rainy weather being such a drag this week in Orlando, the City Lions practiced yesterday at XL Soccer World Orlando, before going on their four game road trip.

"It doesn't matter how the pitch is in the end of day," said City forward Matt Luzunaris. "We all played in grass. We all played in turf. We all played in rain and dry weather, but it's still the same pitch."

The Lions go into Dayton, Ohio on Friday June 29, knowing last time they were on the road, they suffered a 3-1 loss to the Wilmington HammerHeads, which also added their first loss of the season.

Since suffering that first loss, Orlando won three consecutive games at the Citrus Bowl, in which they scored seven goals and only conceding one.

Despite winning last Fridays 2011 USL Pro Championship rematch against the Harrisburg City Islanders, Coach Heath was not pleased with the performance.

"I'm just expecting more out of the players," said Heath to reporters after last Fridays win. "We got a tough four games. Ohio on Friday, Pittsburgh the next day, and then back-to-back games in Los Angeles. It's a tough schedule, but we need to manage to get 12 points out of this stretch."

Dennis Chin, who scored a brace on last Friday's 3-0 win over Harrisburg, believes keeping focus is what matters the most during this upcoming four game road stretch.

"We need to come out strong, especially when we have back-to-back games," said Chin on Friday and Saturday's game against the Dutch Lions and Riverhounds. "We have business to handle this weekend."

The Lions play the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday, June 29, only to take another trip to Pittsburgh, when they play the Riverhounds the following day. The Los Angeles Blue host the Lions July 6 and 8.


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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Weekly-12

Orlando City Getting Back on Track


SANFORD -- The Lions look to get back on track after last Saturdays rebound win against Charleston, which put them five points clear atop the USL Pro table.

"We wanted to make sure we gave a good performance," said coach Heath. "We got a difficult stretch after these next two home games."

The Lions start a tough four-game road stretch when they visit the Dayton Dutch Lions on June 29, only to visit Pittsburgh the next day, June 30, when the Riverhounds host Orlando, after having a nail biting game earlier this season at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

They conclude their four game road stretch in Los Angeles, when the LA Blues host the Lions July 6 & 8.

Orlando City  looks to keep up strength during that stretch, especially after inking a deal with nutrition company, Lifemax.

With San Jose Earthquakes Loanee Alexandre to make his last appearance this Sunday at the Florida Citrus Bowl, when Antigua comes to town, Coach Heath is hoping to keep the Haiti International for a bit longer than expected.

"We're hoping that we can keep him longer, but we will be speaking to San Jose about that."

More players are expecting to arrive on loan, however, Adrian has his eyes set when the transfer window opens June 28, for MLS Clubs.

"We're hoping to get one or two people in once the window opens."

Jamie Watson, who scored the game winner on last Saturdays game, wasn't seen practicing Tuesday, due to an infection on his leg. Adrian Heath, though, is not ruling him out for Sundays home game against Antigua.


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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Jean Alexandre- Loan In

ORLANDO, Fla.| A familiar face to the ownership is retuning, but to a whole new city and club.

Jean Alexandre, from the San Jose Earthquakes, is heading to Orlando City SC on a short term, two-game loan deal.

The deal, which is believed to be one of three MLS potential loan signings this week, is expected to bring in depth in City's attack in the midfield.

Alexandre played previously under Lion's owner Phil Rawlins back when the franchise was located in Austin, Texas.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Weekly- 11

Coach Adrian Heath on Wilmington Loss-
Although Orlando City remain atop the USL Pro table, Head Coach Adrian Heath wasn't too pleased with last Saturdays first loss of the season at Wilmington. "Our performance on Saturday at Wilmington was poor," said Adrian on his thoughts about Saturdays road loss. "The 5 games in 11 days really took a toll on us."

Orlando City, who has been playing possessive football as of recent, look to continue its style of play despite coming off a tough stretch of matches. "We're going to continue playing the way we do, it's just unfortunate that we couldn't capitalize on our style of play against Wilmington." 

City return back to the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday, when they host the Charleston Battery. City will look to remain unbeaten at home, however, Charleston remains two points below the Lions and with a win, Charleston will go up one point atop the table over the Lions. 

Griffin & Luzunaris in Doubt for Saturdays Home Game against Charleston-
When Orlando City were knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup by Sporting Kansas City last Tuesday, questions were brought up about the lack of depth City had in its offense. Adrain Heath confirmed with the Valencia Voice that Max Griffin sustained a hamstring strain, which just might rule him out of Saturdays home match. 

Despite missing out on Saturdays road loss, Matt Luzunaris was not seen practicing on Tuesday and according to Coach Adrian Heath, Luzunaris has been ill, and he is keen for Saturdays home match. 

City's depth in its forward line has been lacking goals this season despite Dennis Chinn having clinched four goals to his name this season. Could extra help be on its way?

Orlando City Look to Bring in MLS Players on Loan by The End of This Week- 
According to Adrian, the Lions are looking into bringing in MLS players on loan by the end of this week. "We're trying to bring in two-three people this week on loan," said Adrian. "They will be players from MLS, we've spoken to 4-5 clubs, and one of them is almost certainly done, but we have to wait till after the open cup game this evening." 

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