OC 3: 4.15.2012 vs. Wilmington Hammerheads

04/11/2012 2:18 PM
By: Chris Jones
A 1-0-0 start has the Lions off on the right foot as the Wilmington Hammerheads come to town on Sunday for Orlando City’s home opener. Let’s get right to it and check out this week’s OC3.

1) Returning from injuries - Two attacking options for the Lions, Max Griffin and Matt Luzunaris, are making comebacks from injuries. Griffin sat out the Charlotte match while Luzunaris appeared late for Orlando City in the 2-0 win. The former UCF Knight made his presence felt by finding Kevin Molino in the fading minutes of the game. While the status for the two is still up in the air, Dennis Chin will continue to fill the void at the forward spot. Chin scored the first goal of the 2012 regular season for the Lions, slotting home a goal in just the third minute of play.

2) Attendance - Last season’s home opener drew 7,933 fans to the Citrus Bowl for Orlando City’s first-ever regular season match. Since then, three championships have been won, MLS talks have heavily intensified and the club has gained respect around the USA as one of the best clubs outside America’s top level (MLS). Can 7,933 be topped? Will the club record of 11,220 set at the USL PRO Championship be broken? We’ll have to see on Sunday.

3) Miguel Gallardo Returns - Not a lot of soccer clubs in the USL can say they have a backup worthy of a starting role. Sean Kelley made crucial saves in the 2-0 win in Charlotte, including a free kick save late in the first half.

Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo returns to the starting position on Sunday, and rightfully so. He was the 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year, having the lowest GAA (Goals Against Average) in 2011 while also having a strong 2012 preseason. If Sunday did anything, it reinforced this fact: Sean Kelley playing between the posts gives no worry to the team and staff.

The match on Sunday begins at 6 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m. Tickets are going fast for the home opener so don’t miss out! Call our ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY to secure your seat today.




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