Match Preview Orlando City U23s End Season on Thursday

Lions play final game of the season on Thursday

Orlando, Fla- The Orlando City U23s (7-4-2) conclude their 2013 campaign this Thursday, July 18, against the Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy (0-12-0) at Seminole Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The reigning Southern Conference Champions failed to secure a playoff berth this past weekend, when the Lions drew VSI Tampa Bay FC 1-1 and lost two key points that were vital to their playoff hopes.

Fort Lauderdale has had a difficult run in the 2013 season, as the club has won zero matches through 12 games played. Schulz Academy has suffered defeat six times on the road so far and has allowed 20 goals, while only managing to score two. The club is led by Kevin Bangai who has one goal and 13 shots through five games played.

Orlando currently sits third in the Southeast Division behind the Panama City Beach Pirates and Ocala Stampede. The U23s have been playoff contenders throughout the entire season, but fell behind as of late after losing several starters who were called back by their universities for pre-season duties.

However, there was still a marginal gap between the Lions and second-place Stampede, but Ocala obtained the final Southeast Division playoff position, when the Lions failed to secure a victory against VSI. The U23s are led by Forward Tyler Blackwood, who has a league-high 13 goals through 13 games played.

Orlando and Schulz Academy met earlier in the season on Wednesday, July 3, at Central Broward Regional Park. After being level for the majority of the match, Blackwood and Midfielder Michael Annarumma scored a goal each to lift the Lions over Fort Lauderdale.