Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Rawlins: We're very content in USL Pro

City of Orlando getting ready for Friday's semi-final game.
(Photo Credit: Mike Gramajo)
By Mike Gramajo
Orlando City President Phil Rawlins made it clear that the club is content in the USL Pro. 

"Our natural stepping stone would be from USL to MLS," Rawlins said during a pep rally Friday afternoon in front of City Hall. "I'm looking forward to the playoffs this Friday and I'm sure with the crowd turnout, we can easily win." 
The Lions dominated the league, finishing with 57 points and leading second place Rochester Rhinos with 16 points. 

Statistically, Orlando City improved a lot  this season than last season. 

this year, the Lions only conceded 18 goals, however, scored 50 goals, 14 more than the Charleston Battery. 

16 points above second place Rochester Rhinos can only state that Orlando City are in a league of their own, right? 

With the potential joining of the NASL out of the question, the Lions look forward to repeating history again, when Wilmington visit for a semi-final match-up. 

A victory Friday night will provide Orlando City home-field advantage in the USL Pro final on Sept. 8. 

For more Orlando City playoff coverage, make sure to follow me on Twitter- 
@Voice_Mgramajo 

Lions look forward to USL Pro glory

By Mike Gramajo


Photo Credit: Mike Gramajo
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It's beginning to look a lot like last year.

The Orlando City Lions are back in post-season play this Friday night, when they host the Wilmington Hammerheads at the Citrus Bowl.

"We've been doing a lot of work on the final third," said forward Dennis Chin, who led the league in scoring with 11 goals to his name. "We have to be confident and just balance that with the playoffs, not get too over confident."

Even though the Lions finished the season as regular season champions, two more games can solidify league glory as Orlando City looks to achieve a second consecutive USL Pro title.

"The only people that can beat us is ourselves," said Matt Luzunaris. "Wilmington isn't good enough to make it this far."

"The [Championship] is an arms reach away, but I'm not looking at the finals, I'm looking at Friday night. I'm looking forward to proving once again that I can come back from a lot of things."

Luzunaris, who's been in grief after losing his fiance to cancer earlier this month, came second in scoring for the team.

The last time the Lions played the Hammerheads was in a frustrating 1-1 draw at the Citrus Bowl on July 25.

"If we score first then thats good, but we have to win," Dennis Chin said before the Semi-final game on Friday night.

For more Orlando City playoff coverage, make sure to follow me on Twitter-
@Voice_Mgramajo