ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando City U23s travel to JC Handly Park in Brandon, Fla, on Thursday, June 14, to square off against the VSI Tampa Flames in an important Southeast Division matchup. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. With a win, Orlando would move to the top spot of the Southeast Division with less than half of the PDL season left to play.

On Sunday, the Orlando U23s defeated Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy by a score of 3-0. New Midfilder Vernei Valimaa scored twice in his first time starting for the U23s, giving the Lions a much needed boost on the offensive side of the ball. Before Sunday, Orlando hadn’t scored more than two goals in three straight matches.

The Lions currently sit in second place in the Southeast Division with a record of 4-1-3 and 15 points. Trailing only IMG Bradenton Academics, who have played two more matches than Orlando, City could move into the top spot with a win against VSI on Thursday.

Orlando City U23s Head Coach Joe Avallone commented on what he thought of his team’s play against Fort Lauderdale and how they are improving as a whole.

“I can see the team chemistry improving,” Avallone said. “The boys are starting to come together and that’s important. Our focus is now on VSI Tampa on Thursday and taking the three points on the road.”

Tampa has won four out of their last five matches after dropping the first two of the 2012 season. In their last match, however, the Flames fell to Panama City 3-0, with all three of the Beach Pirates goals occurring in the first half. VSI is led by Head Coach Joel Harrison, who most recently coached Saint Leo University from 2005-11.

For more information on the U23s match against VSI Tampa on Thursday and more, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com. Be sure to also follow @OrlandoCityU23s on Twitter for all your Lion U23s updates.

Player to Watch- Verneri Valimaa:

A recent addition to the squad, Veneri Valimaa made an immediate impact on the U23 team by scoring two of their three goals in the shutout over Fort Lauderdale Schulz Academy on Sunday. Look for the midfielder to continue his strong play on Thursday against VSI Tampa.

Available Roster:

Moses Aduny, Johan Bergfeld, Ricardo Campbell, Oumar Diakhite, David Graydon, Will Frandsen, Ryan Griffin, Ezequiel Pedraza, Joseph Toby, Steven Williams, Sean Reynolds, Anthony Arico, Keneil Baker, Jonathan Mendoza, Louis Ojeco, Nicolas Russo, Verneri Valimaa, Jowayne Laidley, Darvin Ebanks.