Orlando City Hosts English Premier League Team West Bromwich Albion
By Jhamie Chin, Orlando City // July 15, 2015
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City SC will take a break from league play when the Lions host English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on Wednesday, July 15.
The international friendly is included in the 20-game, 2015 season ticket package. However, non-season ticket members can purchase tickets by visiting www.OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY.
“We always welcome international teams. It’s something that we’ve really looked forward to over the years,” said head coach Adrian Heath.
“They’ve been out at our facilities working really hard and they’ve got a really good team, so it’ll be good to watch them. For our supporters and a lot of our younger players in our Club, it’s a great opportunity to see Premier League players close up.”
“This will be our first time facing a European team this year so it’s going to be a huge moment for us,” said Orlando City midfielder Kaká.
“On Saturday we’ll face the Red Bulls during Brazilian Night, which will be a great game for sure. It’s time for our team to get back on track and win again.”
The match continues Orlando City’s history of bringing quality teams to the City Beautiful, marking the team’s ninth international friendly in five years and fourth contest against a Premier League team – previously facing Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City.
City’s only victory against an English team took place in the 2011 campaign when Kevin Molino’s finish propelled the Lions to a suspenseful 1-0 win over Newcastle.
Coached by Tony Pulis – father of former Lions’ midfielder (2012-2014) and recently appointed head coach of Orlando City’s USL franchise, Anthony Pulis – the Baggies finished 13th in the English Premier League this past season.
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The team’s roster boasts players such as former England National Team and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, Saido Berahino, who led the team in goals with 19, and Scotland National Team midfielder Darren Fletcher.
Orlando will return to league play on Saturday, July 18, for an Eastern Conference matchup against the New York Red Bulls. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
