Orlando City Credits Fans For Home Unbeaten Streak Heading Into Saturday

By  //  July 10, 2015

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On Saturday, the Orlando Citrus Bowl will again be the site of the biggest family reunion in Orlando. (Orlando City Image)

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – On Saturday, the Orlando Citrus Bowl will again be the site of the biggest family reunion in Orlando.

When the Lions take the pitch, they’ll be surrounded by a sea of purple – tens of thousands of rabid fans there to see their team take on FC Dallas.

(Okay, they may not all be blood relatives – but it’s a family nonetheless.)

“Playing at home is always something that I love,” said midfielder Eric Avila.

Eric Avila
Eric Avila

“I love playing with my friends and my team and at home. I think it’ll be a great game.”

If it wasn’t something they loved at first (it was), playing at home is definitely something they love now. Orlando City is unbeaten in their last five MLS home matches, picking up 11 of a possible 15 league points in that span. And it’s not hard to see why – those games have averaged over 30,000 fans in attendance.

In just their first year, Orlando City ranks second in MLS in average attendance.

Moreover, Orlando City’s supporters made their U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match against Columbus Crew the second-highest attended game of the tournament when well over 13,000 came out on a Tuesday night to watch the Lions’ 2-0 victory.

Tally Hall
Tally Hall

“Hats off to the fans. They continue to surprise me,” said goalkeeper Tally Hall after the Columbus game.

“There were times where it was hard to hear yourself think. I continue to be in awe of their support for us and I think it goes a long way for the guys on the field. This city has been amazing.”

On Thursday, Eric Avila talked about how the team had a family dinner the night before.

“We talk about family and how family’s doing, we usually don’t get that side sometimes. But sometimes we talk about games coming up and how exciting it is to play at home and how the fans are around the town,” said Avila.

With the Lions right in the thick of the race for the Eastern Conference, the tilt with FC Dallas is a huge opportunity for points. But the team is riding high, putting together a 6-1-3 record across all competitions in their last ten games.

“Everyone feels confident. Everyone feels ready. Everyone feels excited to play at home.”