USL PRO Champions Orlando City Finish Regular Season Schedule Tonight v Harrisburg City Islanders
Orlando City Lions clinched the USL PRO regular season title last Saturday and tonight they take on Harrisburg City Islanders for the final regular season match of the inaugural campaign. The game kicks off at 7.30pm at the Citrus Bowl and with their spot and seed already locked in, Head Coach Adrian Heath has the advantage of both resting key starters and finding just how prepared his deep bench is for the playoffs. Role players Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell, and Dennis Chin are all likely to start for the Lions and Chin, in particular, has been making his case for more minutes in recent weeks such have been the effect of his cameo roles coming from the bench.
Mainstays Lawrence Olum and Erik Ustruck also return to the line-up after suffering injuries in the Bolton friendly. Both players were available last week, but were held out to rest up for the postseason. Friday’s match gives the two versatile players a chance to stretch their legs and regain full match fitness ahead of the August 20 playoff opener.
The Lions and Islanders have met just once this season. Orlando defeated Harrisburg 3-1 in the May 22 road match, but it was not without drama. After scoring through a Demar Stewart strike in the opening 90 seconds, the Lions controlled the game. All of a sudden, in the 80th minute, Harrisburg found a late spark and equalized. Undeterred, the Lions responded with a late goal of their own just before the end of regulation. Lewis Neal added a penalty kick goal in stoppage time to seal the win.
Much has changed since late May as Harrisburg, then the struggling side, is now tied for the National Division lead with Rochester. Their victory on Wednesday night in Charlotte kept the fourth and final playoff spot in the American Division open, meaning Orlando City will not know their first playoff opponent until they finish Friday’s match.
With both squads in good form, Friday’s match expects to be a case of who will blink first. It will not be one to miss. Those that cannot make it down to the Citrus Bowl can still catch the game on Brighthouse Sports Network. Tickets are still available for the match, and can be purchased by calling 855-ORL-CITY. Tickets start at just $12.
Proposed Line-up (unofficial):
GK: Sean Kelley
DF: Mechack Jerome, Rob Valentino, Wes Allen, Erik Ustruck
MF: Charlie Campbell, Ian Fuller, Lawrence Olum, Jamie Watson
FW: Devorn Jorsling, Dennis Chin
Subs:
Miguel Gallardo, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor, Luke Boden, Kevin Molino, Justin Fojo, Max Griffin
