Orlando City Outlasts West Brom 3-1

By Will Ogburn on July 18, 2015

Bryan Rochez -35 (photo Will Ogburn)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The British came to Orlando on Wednesday as West Bromwich Albion took on Orlando City in the Citrus Bowl. With a strong showing, particularly in the second half, Orlando City cruised to a 3-1 victory. Kaka, Rivas, and Rochez all found the net in the MLS/BPL friendly.

(photo Will Ogburn)

Orlando City’s youth came up big, at one point playing five teenagers in the lineup. “It looks good for our future, and I thought they all did excellent,” said coach Adrian Heath on the performance of the youngsters. The one blemish on the otherwise productive outing was the injury to Harrison Heath. Harrison, Adrian’s son, was helped off the field just before the 29^th minute. His status remains up in the air as further tests are conducted.

KAKA (photo Will Ogburn)

After the halftime mark Orlando City seemed to overpower WBA, scoring two of their goals as well as controlling pace and possession. “We don’t get this weather in England,” said Albion manager Tony Pulis. This match was a preseason contest for the Baggies, so their fitness was admittedly lacking as they geared up for the start of the season in August. Even though according to Pulis “it’s never about the results in preseason,” it was still a positive result for the Lions.

Orlando City looks to continue their playoff push this Saturday as they take on the Red Bulls at home at 7:30.