For their first season in MLS, Orlando City SC faces a pretty exciting schedule. There are no long stretches on the road, only one midweek home game, and 16 nationally televised games (tied for most in MLS). While all 34 games are “must-see,” here are five matches to circle on your schedule:
1. March 8th vs NYCFC (Citrus Bowl)
This one is obvious. With #FillTheBowl in full effect and 60,000+ fans expected at the Citrus Bowl, this will be an event you must not miss. If you have a friend or family member still on the fence about #LionNation - this is the match that will convince them. Fans and players still rave about the atmosphere of the 2013 USL PRO championship game that drew 21,000 people to the Citrus Bowl. This match should nearly triple that...
Not only will the atmosphere be electric, but there will also be a tremendous amount of talent on display. If you can’t get excited about Kaká, Brek Shea, David Villa and others taking the field for the first MLS regular season game ever in Orlando, you may need to check your pulse…
2. September 13th vs Sporting Kansas City (Citrus Bowl)
This one is a homecoming of epic proportions. Fan favorite (#ForeverALion) Dom Dwyer returns to the site of the 2013 USL PRO Championship where he went out a hero, scoring four goals in the teams 7-4 victory. Dwyer has proven to be a star in MLS, finishing second in the league in scoring with 22 goals last year. Dom has never been shy for his love for Orlando City, and I expect the fans will show him some love on this night as well.
Longwood-native Graham Zusi also returns to his old stomping grounds. Zusi, whose parents are Orlando City season ticket holders, excelled with the 2014 U.S. Men’s National Team in Brazil, providing the assist on John Brooks’ thrilling game winning header against Ghana.
3. April 3rd vs D.C. United (Citrus Bowl)
It’s the first Friday night match of the season as Orlando City squares off with D.C. United, who finished atop the Eastern Conference standings in 2014. The kicker here - this is the first of three matches against D.C. United during the 2015 regular season. This game could set the tone for those two games to follow. A few tough challenges? A late equalizer? Boom, you’ve got a rivalry in the making.
D.C. also brings one of the deepest rosters in MLS to the table. You’ll get a chance to see MLS veteran Fabian Espindola, who has been one of the league's most consistent goal scores over the past four seasons. A little homecoming will be due as well as Eddie Johnson returns to Central Florida. The Daytona Beach native started 22 games for D.C. last season and scored seven goals.
4. August 16th vs Seattle Sounders (CentryLink Field - Seattle, WA)
Yes, it’s a long trip, but if you’re going to bring your support on the road this season this is the game I would suggest. I used to work for Sounders FC, so I’ve been able to experience the city and atmosphere first hand - and let me tell you, it is one of the best soccer experiences in the country. The gameday atmosphere, noise, and build up has set the bar for the rest of the league, so it would be a great thing to experience and bring back to Orlando. Pro Tip: Make sure you travel in a little early so you have a chance to explore Seattle. It’s a great walking town and there is a lot to see.
Atmosphere aside, Seattle also brings a wealth of entertaining talent. The duo of Clint Dempsey and 2014 MVP finalist Obafemi Martins can put on one of the best shows in the league. You’ll also get a chance to see one of the best defensive midfielders in MLS in Osvaldo Alonso.
5. May 17th vs LA Galaxy (Citrus Bowl)
A match against the LA Galaxy is always a “must see.” They brought home their 5th MLS cup in 2014 and still return MVP forward Robbie Keane, US Men’s National Team defender Omar Gonzalez, and the emerging and exciting Gyasi Zardes.
This game will be a big test for Orlando City SC. At this point, they’ll be 10 games in to their inaugural season and this match could prove to be a measuring stick for the progress made to date. A win here shows you can hang with perennial MLS superpowers, and could give you a big boost going into the final two thirds of the season.
