Photo: Alex Schierholtz

ORLANDO, Fla.- Orlando City SC, in accordance with Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliate Sporting Kansas City, announced that Defender Kevin Ellis will join the Lions on loan for the club’s final two games of the regular season. The two remaining matches will complete his eligibility for the USL PRO playoffs, which begin on August 24.

“I think the fact that he can play a number of positions is beneficial,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The important thing is to get him out there and we’ll see where it leads after.“

Ellis has played in three matches for Orlando on loan, starting and playing the full 90 in each of the games. With two games remaining in the regular season, Ellis can complete his eligibility for the 2013 playoffs by putting in minutes against the Richmond Kickers on Wednesday and Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night.

A win Wednesday night over the Richmond Kickers would clinch the club’s third-consecutive regular season title. Kickoff for the game is set for 7 p.m. at City Stadium in Richmond, Va. The game will be streamed live, with fans encouraged to attend a watch party held at Harry Buffalo in downtown Orlando, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The first 100 fans through the door will receive a ticket for a free beer (age 21+).

Fore more information on Ellis’ return and the Richmond match Wednesday night, please visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.