ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City SC will begin play in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 17, when the Lions face former USL rival Charleston Battery.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Blackbaud Stadium in South Carolina.
Orlando City will automatically enter the fourth round of the Cup on Wednesday, marking the first time the Club has competed in the prestigious tournament as an MLS Club.
While playing in USL, the Lions continuously proved to be a dangerous side in the Open Cup, recording an 8-4-0 record.
In 2013, City produced its furthest run in the nation’s oldest soccer tournament, defeating the Colorado Rapids and defending champions Sporting Kansas City before falling to the Chicago Fire in the quarterfinals.
Adrian Heath
“First and foremost, we want to win. I’m taking the Open Cup really seriously, but we have to have a look at how fit everybody is,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“Obviously, we know Charleston quite well because of our history with them in USL. They’re a team that always play with a lot of desire, so we don’t expect an easy match, but we’ll be ready for it.”
Heading into the game against Charleston, Orlando currently holds a 13-game unbeaten streak against the Battery, dating back to 2011, holding an impressive 11-2-1 all-time record.
One of the most successful teams in the history of USL, the South Carolina-based team will play their third match of this year’s tournament.
The Battery opened the competition, defeating Miami United FC of the NPSL 1-0 followed by a strong comeback performance to win 3-2 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on May 20.
In 13 league games played so far this season, Charleston has notched 24 points, sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference behind the Rochester Rhinos and Richmond Kickers.
Jamaican striker Dane Kelly leads the team in scoring with four goals.
Orlando City will return to league play on Saturday, June 20, when the team faces the Montreal Impact at Saputo Stadium. Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
