ORLANDO, Fla. – After weeks of waiting, Orlando City Soccer Club finally learned their playoff opponent over the weekend after the conclusion of the opening round of the 2012 USL PRO Playoffs.  The Lions will take on the Wilmington Hammerheads on Friday, August 31, at the Citrus Bowl.  Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Orlando City did not play this past weekend because the Lions earned a first-round-bye when they won the 2012 USL PRO Regular Season championship.  The Hammerheads qualified for the postseason with a win on the final day of the regular season, and followed that up with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Richmond Kickers on Saturday.

Historically, the Lions are 2-1-2 against Wilmington, and hold a 1-1-1 record against the Hammerheads in three meetings this season.  Wilmington was the only USL PRO team to beat City all season, but that win came in Wilmington.  In two Citrus Bowl clashes, Orlando defeated the Hammerheads 4-2 in the 2012 home opener on April 15, and drew 1-1 on July 25.

Ahead of Friday’s match, Orlando City is holding several events to raise awareness of the Lions’ push for a second-consecutive USL PRO championship.  The highlight of the week is on Wednesday when City players and staff will be joined by Mayor Dyer in from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in front of City Hall for a Playoff Pep Rally.

Before Friday’s match, United World Soccer will be hosting a tailgate party at the Citrus Bowl.  Free beer for those 21 and up as well as prizes and giveaways are sure to get the crowd fired up for Friday’s match.  The tailgate party begins at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets for Friday’s match are on sale now and start at just $15.  For more information, call 855-ORL-CITY or email [email protected].  Tickets can also be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office, on www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Citrus Bowl on Friday.