Before Philadelphia Union heads back home from sunny Clearwater, Florida, the Boys in Blue will face off against Orlando City SC one more time as they'll square off on Wednesday, March 24th. Kick off from the closed-door scrimmage is set for 12:30 p.m. ET and Union fans can follow the action with our live blog.Â
While the Union have yet to break through and claim a result in their first two preseason contests, the ultimate goal of the friendlies is to have the group prepared for the opening leg of the 2021 Concacaf Champions League against Costa Rican power Deportivo Saprissa. Last time out against Chicago Fire FC, Head Coach Jim Curtin's starting XI were stretched out to 60 minutes of game time and were locked in defensively with the signature high press and quick attacks. While the goals haven't come yet, they will come as the players work their way up to 100% match fitness.
The Union's starting defense has been perfect in their first two matches, having yet to concede a goal. Orlando and Chicago both netted their winning goals against the Union's homegrown reserves but the younger squad has generated chances after settling into both matches.
Orlando City claimed the first preseason friendly by a 1-0 margin after a 61st-minute goal from Alexander Alvarado. During the match, the Union controlled the contest but a saw a trio of shots ring off the post. Orlando City dropped is other preseason friendly, falling to NYCFC by a 3-2 margin last Thursday. Valentin Castellanos bagged a brace including the preseason-winner in the 67th but Orlando City was able to produce offense from Robin Jansson and new designated player Alexandre Pato in the loss.
