July 25th, 7:30 PM

Result: OCSC 1 – 1 Wilmington, Match Report from Official Team Site

Citrus Bowl

Live on USL Nation

City is coming off four wins in a row and is unbeaten in nine.  In fact the T-Heads are the last team to beat the Lions in a road match in Carolina.  OCSC’s official website is playing the game up as a revenge match which in my experience as a player and coach is a poor way to approach a game.  The chance to lock down home field advantage for the entire playoffs should be the motivation for this game.

The fantastic news this week is that the Lions have acquired Jean Alexandre on loan for the remainder of the season from the San Jose Earthquakes.  His smart runs and strength give Orlando the perfect strike partner for either Dennis Chin’s speed or Matt Luzunaris’s guile and positioning.  Our offense with it recent midfield additions in Lopez and Mbengue is transforming into an unstoppable force.  They are delivering the goods even in the tough positions like last Thursday’s game at Charleston.

The defense has become the corollary – an practically immovable object.  They contribute more on the offensive side of the pitch than any team in the league.  The backline provides fantastic wing play from Boden and Mechack.  Jerome also kicks in with pile driver free kick goals and the centerback’s are good for a header into the back of the net every three or four games.

All signs point to a win although Wilmington will be motivated to stay in front of Harrisburg and Richmond for a first round home playoff game.  Loanee Corey Hertzog torched the Lions in their only defeat of the season and will have to be marked tightly and thoroughly for the home side to pick up the full three points.