The Lions’ took on fellow expansion team New York City FC for the first time in the opening match of the 12th annual Carolina Cup Challenge, providing a preview of their Major League Soccer (MLS) home-opener at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015. (Orlando City Image)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The Lions’ took on fellow expansion team New York City FC for the first time in the opening match of the 12th annual Carolina Cup Challenge, providing a preview of their Major League Soccer (MLS) home-opener at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015.
Tickets are available online at OrlandoCitySC.com or via phone at 855-ORL-CITY.
Both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling fixture in Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.
A full house of over 5,000 including a strong contingent of Orlando City supporters watched team captain Kaká score the first goal of the match in the 31st minute, but New York City FC’s David Villa set up Khiry Shelton’s goal in the second half to level the score-line.
Adrian Heath
“I think the fact that we’ve had a lot of hype for the two clubs has been really good,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.
“Our team put out a really good effort and defended the ball well. We still have a lot of work to do, but overall I’m very pleased with where we are three weeks out of the first game of the season.”
