The 2012 regular season is finally here and with that marks Orlando City as a club that’s no longer under the radar. This season, they’re the team to watch out for. 2012 is all about defending the USL Pro Championship and gaining even more respect around the United States as the best club outside Major League Soccer.

Let’s go right into it with the first OC 3 of the 2012 regular season.

1) Starting off the season right The newly-formed Lions got off to a rough start in 2011, losing their first match to the Richmond Kickers by a score of 0-2. The team has come a very far ways since that opening day defeat, looking to get an important three points on the road in Charlotte. The club has its sights set on starting out the 2012 season the same way 2011 ended- with a win.

2) Kelley starting in goal As a refresher, Miguel Gallardo is serving a one-game suspension due to his ejection from the USL PRO Championship match. That means Sean Kelley, the 2011 USL PRO Championship MVP, will be starting in place of last year’s Goalkeeper of the Year award winner. The George Mason grad getting the start is a good thing for the club, with precious playing time in the regular season a tough thing to come by when sitting behind Gallardo.

3) Will the 4-2-3-1 formation be permanent? The last preseason match against USF, Orlando City lined up with a 4-2-3-1 with Max Griffin up top. The 5-0 victory over the Bulls showed how Head Coach Adrian Heath believes in the midfield being the key of the team’s distribution, but will that last once Matt Luzunaris fully returns from his injury and Dennis Chin earns more playing time? It will be an interesting development beyond the first couple of matches and something to look out for as the regular season kicks into gear.

The Lions return for the home opener on Sunday, April 15, against the Wilmington Hammerheads. Secure your seat to the match by calling our ticket office at (855)-ORL-CITY today.