[2013 Preseason Matchday 1] Union @ Orlando City SC - Feb 9, 2013 p/d/p [R]

Maybe Heath and Hack will get on the wrong bus after the game and we can swap coaches.

It is soooo good to see a game thread! Disappointed to not see a OC Lions logo (does not show up at work, BOO!) I'm really looking forward to watching this game next Saturday. How about a straight up trade, rather than mistaken buses. I propose Hack and Adu for Heath and a set of purple kits!

I'd do that trade. Those kits are great!

Well they definitely would contrast with ALL of MLS!

"This is, without a shout of a doubt, the most important game of the season. We can finally have just cause to criticize every Union player on the roster."

- UnionDues

I am STARVED for some action. Can't wait to see some of the more "question mark" players in action.

To what extent should the Union try to win these games and to what extent should the games be used to play guys "on the bubble" or to test out formations?

If it's anything like some of the preseason games I've watched, we'll see our starting XI out there for the first half, and then see fringe players/guys trying to make the cut in the second half. The second halves of games this preseason have featured some pretty bad, but exciting, soccer only because it's been guys competing for a job.

I imagine that they would split the squad up and send one half to play the Impact and the other will stay in Orlando and play TFC. They've got a pretty good sized roster, so I'm sure it won't be a problem.

I agree with that. I, however, am fit enough to be a spectator at a day game after a night game and will be going to both games.

From my POV, I'd like to see these games used as training exercises to get up to speed, try different permutations, and allow "bubble" players to show a little bit. Results really should not matter.

Interested to see who shines in this year's brawl.

Win - 30%
Test Players - 70%

As much as I am aware that these games do not count, I still would like to see them win the tournament. The team has two full games in FL that are not a part of this tournament. That gives them 2 full 90's to evaluate bubble players (which I am inclined to believe there are not really that many). Use the games against the Impact on the 15th and the DC on the 20th? to evaluate the marginal guys. Hell, send the reserves to Jacksonville. Use the Disney Tournament to play the regulars and other members of the routine 18-20 game day players, with an eye toward developing chemistry and strategy.

Show up or shrimp out on the 16th. TFC now have room for a DP. I have one in mind for them.........may even suggest it at Disney............loudly..................

Can we expect anything remotely close to a stream for this match? We had some pleasant surprises this past season when they streamed the Open Cup on the website so I am a tad optimistic.

First post says it is on ESPN 3.

MLS will be streaming almost everything preseason on their website.

That's dedication, holmes.

I believe that all games are being streamed other than the 2/23 game where the two teams that finish in third place play each other and the 2/23 game where the two teams that finish in fourth place play each other. Note that the Union will play a game on 2/23 against a TBD opponent.

The games will be shown on ESPN 2, 5, and 6.

I heard it'll be on the Ocho