Orlando City cruise past LA Galaxy II

By Mike Gramajo

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Hertzog scores twice and Orlando City witness a Sweet 16 unbeaten streak come alive.  

Corey Hertzog bagged a brace while Kevin Molino sealed the deal, as Orlando City SC clinched a 3-0 victory over visiting LA Galaxy II on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in front of 5,029 fans. 

“We’ve been a working progress, and it’s getting better,” OCSC head coach Adrian Heath said. “We try to impose our style of play to our opposition. Overall, we were a good value to the scoreline and it should of been more.”

Luke Boden helped set up the opening goal in the 17th minute, finding Hertzog who slotted in a cross past Los Dos goalkeeper Cody Laurendi. The former NY Red Bull forward secured his brace before halftime after Kevin Molino found him unmarked from close range to double the lead. 

“The first goal was all Bodz (Luke Boden), so all credit to him,” said Hertzog. “Goals bring confidence and you’re a different player when you have a lot of confidence.” 

Molino, who went on to score his league-leading 11th goal, capped the match in the 60th minute after Brian Span’s shot deflected off the post, finding the Trinidad and Tobago international who buried the dead ball into the net. 

Orlando City go back on the road, visiting the Wilmington Hammerheads on Thursday. OCSC will then travel to St. Petersburg to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second leg of the I-4 Derby on Sunday. 

Report: Kaka to return to Milan preseason

(Getty Images)

By Mike Gramajo

Orlando City Soccer Club will have to wait a little more longer to acquire the services of Brazilian superstar Ricardo Kaka.

According to a report from Goal.com, the midfielder confirmed that he plans to return to AC Milan for preseason training in early July, leaving speculation of him becoming OCSC’s first-ever designated player in doubt. 

“I am not out of Milan,” the former Real Madrid player told an audience at an event. “The only thing that is certain and official is that on July 9, I have to present myself at Milan.”

Orlando City confirmed earlier this month that they were in ‘advance discussions’ with Kaka about becoming a DP when Orlando joins Major League Soccer in 2015, while also going out on loan to Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC during the remainder of 2014. 

What do you think of this report? Do you think Kaka will eventually join Orlando City? Share your comments below. 

Preview: Orlando City vs. Dayton Dutch Lions

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo

Orlando City SC could go 11 points clear in the USL PRO standings, and set a new club record of 15 matches unbeaten when they visit the Dayton Dutch Lions on Sunday at 3 p.m. (WATCH HERE). 

Orlando and Dayton have yet to meet this season, but last played in a 3-3 draw at Miami Valley (Ohio) on July 2013 which saw OCSC squander their one-goal lead toward the end of the match. 

And while OCSC are riding a 14 match unbeaten streak, within that run the Lions flow a five-game winning streak. Kevin Molino, who leads USL PRO in scoring with nine goals, hasn’t scored in his last three league matches, however, he did score a hat-trick during a 3-1 home victory over the Charlotte Eagles back in May. 

Forward Dennis Chin, who picked up a hamstring injury last month, has since returned to action, playing minimal minutes. Corey Hertzog will more than likely get the nod to start from Adrian Heath after finding his scoring touch after notching two goals in his last three games. 

Although the Dutch Lions aren’t having their best season to date, they do have one of the leagues top scorers in Aaron Schoendeld whose eight goals has him in the fourth spot for the Golden Boot. Dayton currently sit in 13th place in the standings with 11 points, while posting one victory in their last five matches. 

Despite playing last Friday in a 0-0 draw against Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC during an international friendly, Orlando City’s last competitive match resulted into a 5-2 defeat against MLS side Colorado Rapids during U.S. Open Cup play last Tuesday. 

What are some score predictions heading into Orlando’s road game? Comment below with your answers. 

Stay tuned with the OSJ and follow us on Twitter @OSJ_Soccer 

Highlights: Orlando City (0-0) Sao Paulo

Adrian Heath talks Kaka arrival

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo

While much credit can be attributed to owners Flavio Augusto da Silva and Phil Rawlins for luring Brazilian star Ricardo Kaka to Orlando City SC as their first Designated Player, the credit will soon be transported to the man who will be coaching the midfielder. 

That’s Adrian Heath. 

Within the last 48 hours, reports of Kaka signing with Orlando City have coincided with World Cup fever, and Heath for the first time answered questions from reporters about the soon-to-be announced signing. 

“We’re in advanced talks to sign Kaka. We’re all optimistic and really hopeful and probably see a little bit of what it’s like next year,” said Heath. “We’re talking about one of the world’s global names, one the best players in the last 20-30 years. We hope we get it done, we hope this time next year he’s running out in a purple shirt.” 

According to other reports that have surfaced in the last couple days, the former AC Milan ace is expected to go out on loan to Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo FC for the remainder of 2014 to remain fitness. Kaka would eventually join the Lions in January 2015 before the start of MLS preseason camp. 

Sao Paulo, which is Kaka’s boyhood club, ironically played Orlando City on Friday in a scoreless international friendly. 

Orlando battle Sao Paulo in scoreless draw

(Courtesy of Orlando City)

By Mike Gramajo 

Orlando City SC held off Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo to a scoreless draw on Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 5,029 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 

“To have one of the biggest clubs in Brazil to come and play, it’s a great night for the club,” OCSC head coach Adrian Heath told reporters. “I thought we had some great passages of play. I’m really proud of their efforts, obviously we rolled our luck a little bit at times. Overall, I’m delighted with the effort our boys put in.” 

The Lions seemed to take a late-game lead, but were denied countless of times while Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo produced a man of the match performance for his shutout, which involved several pivotal saves. 

OCSC are back on the road when they visit the Dayton Dutch Lions during USL PRO play on Sunday. 

Stay tuned with the OSJ and follow us on Twitter @Mike_Gramajo

Report: Kaka and Orlando City reach agreement

(Getty Images)

By Mike Gramajo 

Orlando City SC’s long pursuit of Brazilian star Ricardo Kaka looks to finally become a reality. 

ESPN’s Taylor Twellman tweeted on Thursday that Orlando City and Major League Soccer have reached an agreement with Kaka to become the Lions’ first Designated Player. 

Though OCSC don’t begin their inaugural MLS campaign until spring of 2015, Twellman also reported that the former AC Milan midfielder will join Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC, his boyhood club, on-loan until 2015. 

The Orlando Sentinel confirmed the report, stating that Kaka triggered his release clause from Milan after the Italian side failed to qualify to European competition next season. 

Orlando City host Sao Paulo on Friday during an international friendly at 8 p.m. ET.