Philadelphia Union opens its preseason slate in Clearwater, Florida, with a showdown against Orlando City SC on Monday, March 15. Kick off for the closed-door scrimmage is set for 11 a.m. ET at Joe DiMaggio Stadium.
The Union are just a few days into their preseason training in sunny Florida but expect the first match to be intense as the club prepares for its April 7th clash in the Concacaf Champions League against Deportivo Saprissa.
Orlando City SC is coming its own remarkable 2020 season, making the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in club history. After finishing runners-up at the MLS is Back Tournament, Óscar Pareja's side kept the momentum going by reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals. Much like the Union, Orlando's offseason was focused more on keeping the squad in tact with the permanent acquisitions of Antônio Carlos, Rodrigo Schlegel, Andrés Perea and Alexander Alvarado. Players gone for the Lions include former designated player Dom Dwyer and Daryl Dike, with the later currently on loan with EFL Championship side Barnsley.Â
On the Union's side, Monday morning's match could be the first taste of competition at the highest level in American soccer for the Union's 2021 homegrown class of Paxten Aaronson, Brandan Craig, Nathan Harriel, Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan.
