ORLANDO, Fla. (July 22, 2016) – Following Saturday’s 2-2 draw in Vancouver, Orlando City SC (4-5-10, 22 points) finishes its three-game road trip when it visits Columbus Crew SC (3-7-9, 18 points) on Saturday, July 23. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at MAPFRE Stadium.
The match will be locally televised on WRDQ TV27 as well as transmitted on Real Radio 104.1 FM in English and on La Grande 1030 AM in Spanish.
“They’re a system team and they’re very good at it. They spread out and try and keep the ball and drag you out of spots. They’ve got some dangerous players,” Interim Head Coach Bobby Murphy said. “I think the only way to combat that is to make sure you have a good collective effort, vision, game plan and make sure the players are all on the same page.”
This is Murphy’s last game as interim head coach. Orlando City SC this week announced the hiring of Jason Kreis as the team’s permanent head coach. Kreis will take over coaching duties Monday while Murphy will return to his role as assistant coach and technical director of the Pro Academy.
Saturday’s match will be the first time both sides meet this season. Last year, City dominated the matchup with a 2-1-1 overall record. After going down to 10 men and falling 3-0 on April 18, the Lions drew 2-2 on May 30 before defeating Crew SC 2-0 in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on June 30. The Lions scored a season high five goals on a 5-2 victory on Aug. 1.
Orlando City is coming off a strong performance in a 2-2 draw at Vancouver. Júlio Baptista opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he wired home Luke Boden’s cross. Kevin Molino set up Canadian striker Cyle Larin’s equalizer early in the second half to earn his fourth goal against MLS’ three Canadian teams this season.
Larin’s goal increases his team lead to nine goals while Molino’s helper put him in the team lead with six assists. Molino is also second on the team with six goals. Goalkeeper Joe Bendik is tied for fourth in MLS with 68 saves.
Columbus’ Ola Kamara grabbed the lead in the 63rd minute against D.C. United Saturday, but Harrison Afful’s 74th minute sending off allowed Fabián Espíndola to equalize in the 89th.
Kamara leads Crew SC with nine goals in 13 games this season, while Justin Meram and Ethan Finlay lead the team with five and six assists, respectively. Goalkeeper Steve Clark is third in MLS with 69 saves.
The Lions return to Camping World Stadium to close out a busy month of July on Sunday, July 31, when they host the New England Revolution. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
