Saturday’s international friendly vs. Brazilian Champion Fluminense FC is an important game for Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath’s club. Not just because the Lions are playing a legendary club like Fluminense, but the challenge it brings along with it.

“We’re delighted to host a club like Fluminense,” said Heath. “It’s not very often you get to play one of the biggest clubs from Brazil. They have some great players playing for them and it’s just a great opportunity for our players and fans alike to see them play. People around Central Florida who love soccer will come and watch a great football club play.”

When asked about ranking the numerous international friendlies Orlando has hosted in its short three years of operation, Heath says Fluminense ranks right at the top.

“Obviously because the EPL (English Premier League) is so popular around the world, games like Bolton and Newcastle United were great successes and captured the imagination of the Brits in town. Now we capture a whole different angle of South Americans. It’s huge for the club. It’s good for us as a staff to watch a team that’ll cause different types of trouble that we haven’t experienced before.”

Heath has also said numerous times that he takes every match one game at a time, but with a quarterfinal match against the Chicago Fire looming next week- that’s not a guarantee.

“With the last two results we’ve had (in the Open Cup), we’ve put ourselves in great position,” Heath continued. “We’re one game away from having a home draw in which could play in the Open Cup final. That would be incredible. “

“Everyone on our squad will see playing time on Saturday as the most important thing would be getting ready for the Chicago Fire on Wednesday in the Open Cup.”