7.30pm 29 June 2013
USA, United Soccer League, Professional Division
Orlando City 0 Richmond Kickers 2 (att 8,842)
First game of my 2013/14 season, a week after arriving in the United States for a holiday road trip from Washington DC to Florida Keys.
Tonight's game was in the “USL Pro League”, the third tier of US Soccer, although Orlando are aiming for an MLS franchise, and have plans for a soccer-specific stadium which would be a necessary requirement.
For now they're based at the impressive, but ageing, Florida Citrus Bowl. Only the lowest tier was open, but the crowd, and atmosphere, made for a entertaining evening.
The football wasn't the best I'll see this season (I hope). The players were technically proficient, but lacked the spark to light up the game. Tony Pulis's son, Anthony, was in midfield for Orlando.
Orlando went into the game top of the league, but Richmond were unbeaten after a number of draws ("tied games" in the local lingo).
There were few chances in an even first half, before two second half goals won the game for the visitors, who appeared to have no fans in the stadium.
This was my first game in the US, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, although I guess the weather helped. The thorough commercialisation of just about every aspect amused me, with sponsors for the home side's bookings, substitutions and corners ("this Orlando City corner is brought to you with Wallgreens Pharmacy, on the corner of happy and healthy").
USA, United Soccer League, Professional Division
Orlando City 0 Richmond Kickers 2 (att 8,842)
First game of my 2013/14 season, a week after arriving in the United States for a holiday road trip from Washington DC to Florida Keys.
Tonight's game was in the “USL Pro League”, the third tier of US Soccer, although Orlando are aiming for an MLS franchise, and have plans for a soccer-specific stadium which would be a necessary requirement.
For now they're based at the impressive, but ageing, Florida Citrus Bowl. Only the lowest tier was open, but the crowd, and atmosphere, made for a entertaining evening.
The football wasn't the best I'll see this season (I hope). The players were technically proficient, but lacked the spark to light up the game. Tony Pulis's son, Anthony, was in midfield for Orlando.
Orlando went into the game top of the league, but Richmond were unbeaten after a number of draws ("tied games" in the local lingo).
There were few chances in an even first half, before two second half goals won the game for the visitors, who appeared to have no fans in the stadium.
This was my first game in the US, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, although I guess the weather helped. The thorough commercialisation of just about every aspect amused me, with sponsors for the home side's bookings, substitutions and corners ("this Orlando City corner is brought to you with Wallgreens Pharmacy, on the corner of happy and healthy").
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