clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Disney Pro Soccer Classic: Philadelphia Union Vs. Orlando City Preview

A short piece with information on what you should know about both teams.

Jamie Squire

The Disney Pro Soccer Classic has Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, DC United, Montreal Impact, Orlando City, Tampa Bay Rowdies all participating in the annual preseason tournament. The Union open this year's edition against Orlando, tonight at 6 pm.

Here's a short preview with a little bit of information on both teams prior to tonight's game:

Orlando City Soccer Club Lions: Orlando was a USL PRO semi-finalists last season after it failed in its quest to defend its crown as champion of the league in 2012. The Lions play in USL PRO with Union affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders. Formerly the Austin Aztecs, the Lions have established themselves in the Florida soccer community and have featured notable names such as John Rooney, brother of Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and current Real Salt Lake player Yordany Álvarez. In both years of existence, Orlando finished the regular season in first place in the USL PRO and are predicted to be among the top teams in the league for a third straight season.

Philadelphia Union: The Union are coming off of quite a disappointing season in 2012 an look to regain their 2011 form. The key additions of Conor Casey, Sebastien Le Toux and Jeff Parke have put the Union into a position to have their most attacking starting 11 in team history, while also making up for the departure of former captain Carlos Valdes, on loan, to Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia. Head coach John Hackworth will manage in that position for a full season for the first time in his career.