Orlando City Face Toronto FC At BMO Field Tonight, Kickoff Set For 8 p.m.
By Jhamie Chin, Orlando City // August 5, 2015
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – After a thrilling 5-2 victory over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, Orlando City SC (7-9-6, 27 points) will have a quick turnaround in league play, heading to BMO Field to face Toronto FC (8-8-4, 28 points) tonight.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
The match will broadcast live on MY 65 and Sun Sports. In addition, the game will be transmitted in English on Real Radio 104.1 FM and in Spanish on La Grande 1030 AM.
“[Toronto] played as well over the weekend. Obviously it wasn’t a good result for them, but they’ll be wanting to get back on track at home against an Eastern Conference team,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“So, we’re going to have to maintain our performance level from Saturday. Three of their big tools will probably not play, which will be great for us. But, I know what it’s like, people have been chomping at the bit waiting to get their opportunity so it’s going to be tough. They’ve done well this year at home, so we’ll have to play well.”
Coming off a big-time victory against Columbus, Orlando City will aim to continue building momentum as the team heads to Toronto to avenge a previous loss against the Reds at the Orlando Citrus Bowl.
The Lions are led by rookie striker Cyle Larin, who has scored five goals in the past two games, extending his season tally to 11. Larin’s brace against Columbus placed him in the MLS record books, as the young Canadian tied Damani Ralph’s single-season rookie scoring record with 12 games remaining in the regular season.
Cristian Higuita also recorded his first goal in purple on Saturday night, while Aurélien Collin and Darwin Cerén both found the back of the net for the second time this season. Currently sitting in fifth place in the East, Toronto FC heads into Wednesday’s fixture after suffering a 3-1 loss to the New England Revolution.
The Reds’ last win came against the Philadelphia Union on July 18, previously drawing New York City FC and Columbus Crew SC after a harrowing 4-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on July 4th. In addition, Toronto will be without U.S. Men’s National Team striker Jozy Altidore who was sent off in the team’s loss to New England.
The Canadian club is currently led by Italian Designated Player Sebastian Giovinco in several categories. The former Juventus and Italian National Team midfielder tops the team’s statistical charts in both goals (13) and assists (10).
The Lions will return to the Orlando Citrus Bowl on a Saturday, August 8, for a match-up against the Philadelphia Union. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET
