Is there pre-season excitement ? Can Orlando show its MLS worthy ? (too early ? too ambitious ?) What are the supporters groups doing to prep for the upcoming season ? Free beer / bring a friend to the game ? I have a million questions - but will go to the game to see if some of these are answered .... feel free to answer here (but I would rather see / hear you at the stadium)
Very excited. Heard a commercial on the radio this morning for the game! Well done- but a little strange ad. Anywho, bring on the union...
Any out of town Orlando fans can chat about the game with Union fans here: http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2012/02/18/psp-live-from-orlando/
Max griffin is looking very very good. He might not be here next year. Also, every time we play an MLS team I wonder why Heath isn't coaching MLS or ... A higher level league- the team is very well coached!
Good game. I know we've only been practicing a couple of weeks, but our boys looked a little off. No one wanted to take charge. But, by April the chemistry should be there.
Orlando City never seemed two division below MLS. They played a very exciting and attacking style of football. The match had just about everything - Rooney penalty kick (albeit it was saved) a missed goal from the 1 foot mark and an injury time goal. Oh, and Freddy Adu .... All in all not a bad display for pre-season football. The Orlando fans behind the goal were in full voice and, in my opinion, never let up until Max equalized 2 minutes into added time. If any casual has thoughts about wanting to see MLS soccer in Florida (besides pre-season) then they need to get out and support the Florida clubs - NOW. Next up: Disney Soccer Classic Feb. 24 - Mar. 3 6 MLS clubs, one Swedish and Orlando City.
Video recap on Channel 9 http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/orlando-city-vs-philadelphia-union/vF62P/ (of course no video of Griffin's heroic stoppage time goal!)
They also said Orlando lost. Im guessing the cameraman had to get back to the station and didn't see the end of the game.
I made the trip down to O-Town for the game . . . I never heard an announced attendance? Anybody know the official figure? I was a little disappointed in the turnout, but I understand that it was a preseason game, albeit vs. an MLS squad. I sat right behind the Ruckus and they put forth a great effort during the match. Sup with the streamers peeps kept throwing though? One almost hit the Union Kicker before his goal kick haha . . . Surprised security is alright with that.
Chuck, the attendance was a high leap above what we had for last year's Union friendly, and at least on-par with regular-season attendance last year. I don't think it was a bad showing for our first 2012 match. That point-blank miss was by a trialist. I doubt he'll make the team after that showing. Seriously overthought.
Good game! We could have scored at least 3 (including the Rooney missed PK). But we also conceded a fair bit of golden chances to Phili. I don't know why, but it seemed we didn't build up anything from our right side. Jerome did A LOT with the VERY LITTLE he saw of the ball. I feel like he's wasted as a RB as he seems to be the most creative player. Not sure if there's some kind of conflict, but it seemed like Valentino NEVER looked Jerome's way AT ALL. Grifffin was SENSATIONAL when he came on the pitch. He gets himself into great positions, good handling on the ball, and is very powerful, rides challenges VERY well. My MOTM....even if he didn't score the equaliser. He was definitely class. Rooney also played very well, just unfortunate he had his pk attempt saved, but he played very well. We had the better chances, but we lack it in the final 3rd (horrible miss at the end by Adama (I think it was), Good match overall though, a draw was probably the deserved result.
I just re-watched it, it says they drew and shows the score 1-1 at the bottom. Who missed the sitter?
Considering last year they announced 3,600, even though it was more like 2,000. The attendance last night, was a solid 5,968 was excellent. Oh, during the 11pm live newscast they had it wrong. I guess they fixed it. Thats good.
Better and longer highlights. Really great music too. http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2012/02/19/preseason-highlights-orl-1-1-phi
Not sure if serious. The RB is the weakest link IMO. He has a leg no doubt, but he has the soft first-touch of a rapist. Ustruck was an obvious upgrade in the second half. He had the game tying assist and was screwed out of another by Stewart showboating instead of putting the ball in the goal.
I'm quite serious actually. Not sure how many City matches you've seen, but Mechack (the starting RB), is easily the most technically gifted player for Orlando, definitely the most accurate passer and crosser. I don't think I've noted a bad first touch from him but I'll take notice of that next match. But he's completely wasted at RB as no one looks to give him the ball at all, especially Valentino. I actually critisized his behaviour last season and thought he didn't put in any kind of effort, but after going to more and more games he's definitely improved in that aspect.
I have seen every home game that Orlando City has played since moving here. Mechack shows a lot of athleticism in my opinion but in regards to his touch and passing/crossing we will have to agree to disagree. I think there is a very valid reason why Valentino goes the other way and it showed once they put Ustruck in.