The second iteration of the Orlando City Alumni game against the Tampa Bay Rowdies is set to take place at the Seminole Soccer Complex this Friday at 7:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Orlando City Foundation and admission is only $10.
Much like last year, this game will host Orlando players that span four generations of soccer in the City Beautiful. Four USL Pro players from Orlando City's 2011-2014 teams will take part in this game, while the rest of the roster is filled out by players from the late 1980's and 1990's.
Orlando has hosted six different pro and semi-pro soccer teams come through over the last 30 years: the Orlando Lions, Orlando Nighthawks, Orlando Sundogs, Ajax Orlando Prospects, Central Florida Kraze, and Orlando City SC. Each of the 16 players taking part in this match have played for at least one of these teams.
Here’s what the roster will look like:
Alex Acosta (1994-1996, 1998, 1999-2000): Played for the Orlando Lions indoor team, Orlando Nighthawks, and Central Florida Kraze as a midfielder.
Kieron Bernard (2011-2013): Played in 30 games for Orlando City SC in USL Pro as a defender. Retired after injuries in 2013.
Justin Bryant (1987): Played with the Orlando Lions as a goalkeeper. Current assistant coach at UNC Wilmington.
Lou Cioffi (1986, 1989): Played with the Orlando Lions as a goalkeeper. Graduated from UCF and was a 2013 Hall of Fame inductee.
Steve Freeman (1992-1993, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2003): Played with Orlando Lions, Orlando Sundogs, Orlando Nighthawks and Central Florida Kraze as a midfielder. Named 1997 USL A-League All Star.
Miguel Gallardo (2011-2014): Played 81 games with Orlando City SC in USL Pro as a goalkeeper and is 3rd all-time in games started for the club. Currently a member of the Lions’ TV broadcasting team.
Paul Holmes (1990-1992): Played for the Orlando Lions as a midfielder. Scored against Bayer Leverkusen when Orlando played them in 1992.
Mark Lamb (1988): Played only one year as a forward. Scored the first official pro soccer goal in Orlando history with the Orlando Lions.
Nick Lane (1986, 1992, 1997, 1998): Played with Orlando Lions, Orlando Sundogs and Orlando Nighthawks as a defender and midfielder.
David Mackey (1987, 1993, 1997- 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004-2006): Played for Orlando Lions, Orlando Sundogs, Orlando Nighthawks, Central Florida Kraze, and Ajax Orlando Prospects as a midfielder. Was named 1993 USISL All-Star with the Orlando Lions.
Kirk Mackey (1997, 1999): Played for Orlando Sundogs and Central Florida Kraze as a forward. Graduated from Winter Park High School and UCF.
John Mailander (1989-1990): Played for the Orlando Lions as a forward. Graduated from UCF.
Anthony Pulis (2012-2014): Played in 44 games for Orlando City SC in USL Pro as a midfielder. Currently serving as Orlando City B's head coach.
Andrew Restrepo (1993-1994): Spent two years with the Orlando Lions as a defender. Also played for New York MetroStars in the first year of MLS.
Erik Ustruck (2011-2013): Played in 48 games for Orlando City SC in USL Pro as a defender. Currently serving as a team administration manager for Orlando City.
Rob Valentino (2011-2014): Played in 77 games for Orlando City SC in USL Pro as a defender. Currently serving as an assistant coach with Orlando City B.
