As Orlando begins their first of three straight home games this Saturday against the Dayton Dutch Lions, the Lions look to continue their strong play in Central Florida. So far in 2013, Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl has been a safe haven for Orlando, who is 3-0-0 (including the 3-2 win over 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies).

“Weʼre a good team,” Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath told reporters last week. “I think if you were to ask anyone else in the league they will tell you that. Last year I was little bit concerned that we didnʼt have a lot of possession and score enough goals. That is different this year.”

The strong fan support is a big reason of the home success, with Heath and the players complimentary of attendance and atmosphere made by the supporters.

“We have a great turnout from the fans during our home matches, so that just gives us a reason to put on a good show,” Heath added.

Currently, the Lionsʼ all-time record in the USL PRO regular season stands at 35-5-13.

“Itʼs a tough place to play,” said Midfielder Jamie Watson. “I wouldnʼt want to come here (Orlando) and play, with the fan group behind and steady flow of fans is amazing.”

The Lions have also displayed to Major League Soccer (MLS) teams that they are a threat outside of USL PRO, with such stars as Sporting Kansas City’s Defender Matt Besler commenting on the club’s play.

“I hope people realize that Orlando is a really good team,” Besler told the Kansas City Star. Thereʼs no doubt Orlando City is improving each year as a team.”

After Saturday’s match against Dayton, Orlando hosts VSI Tampa Bay on Tuesday then Antigua on Saturday, their first of two home stands in the 2013 USL PRO season consisting of three matches in a row. It will be a crucial time for the team to separate from the rest of the pack, with a possible nine points on the line within the next seven days.

Watson knows that the matches are important, saying the fan support is a big key in the cog to make it all go round.

“We count on our fans to create that atmosphere and make it so the opposing team knows this is our home.”
 

Photo: Mark Thor