Orlando City will play their first match in the new stadium on March 5th, against New York City FC. But earlier in the week, as part of Orlando City’s Kickoff Week, players from the three teams that comprise Orlando City soccer club will take to the pitch together to face off against some of their biggest fans-- 100 kids from the local community.
This week, Orlando City Soccer Club announced the roster for the event. Here is a breakdown of the players from team to team, and some thoughts on how the kids might plan to take them down.
Orlando City
Players: GK Earl Edwards, GK Joe Bendik, DEF Jon Spector, DEF Victor ‘PC’ Giro, MID Tony Rocha, MID Servando Carrasco, DEF Rafael Ramos, and MID Kaká
On this list, one player’s name stands out amongst the rest-- Kaká. Surely, he will take to the pitch that evening and even 100 kids might struggle to face off against such a legend. But the kids will have the advantage in numbers to help them intercept the midfielders and loop around the defenders. Even still, Goalkeeper Joe Bendik won’t be easy to get past. But the kids might be able to use their small size to sneak the ball past him.
Kids vs. Pros
Tickets
Orlando Pride
Players: GK Audrey Bledsoe, DEF Toni Pressley, FWD Sarah Hagen and FWD Christina Burkenroad
So, how will these 100 kids stack up against some of the best female players in the country? Well, their first test will be to defend forwards Sarah Hagen and Christina Burkenroad. With the ratio of kids to pros, surely the girls will struggle to get the ball to their half of the field and take solid shots. But the kids will have to be on their toes, constantly moving the ball away from their goal.
Orlando City B
Players: MID Jordan Schweitzer, DEF Zach Carroll, MID Austin Martz, FWD Ben Polk, MID Lewis Neal, DEF Scott Thomsen, MID Paul Clowes, and FWD Joe Gallardo
Orlando City B brings a lot of their new talent into the mix for Kids vs. Pros. Of the players listed, only Lewis Neal played for the team last season. In that time, Neal scored two goals and earned two assists. As for the newer players, they are a bit less predictable. Kids will have to be on their toes to see what these new players can bring.
Interested in attending Kids vs. Pros? All it takes is a $10 donation to the Orlando City Foundation. Season tickets members get in for free. As we get ready for the start of the new season, come out and support your teams and your local community. The event will take place Thursday, March 2nd at the downtown stadium.
For more information about this and Orlando City’s other Kickoff Week events, click here //www.orlandocitysc.com/ockickoff
