With the Lions’ second ever Major League Soccer campaign edging ever closer, Orlando City SC fans can almost smell it now with a pre-season fixture against Jacksonville Armada FC having been scheduled for next month (Saturday February 13th).

A Florida Derby by nature, Adrian Heath’s side will pit their wits against the NASL outfit 141 miles up the coast at Community First Park with a kick-off time of 6PM  ET.

Despite sharing the same state, next Saturday’s match-up will actually be the first ever fixture contested between the duo although Lions fans will be familiar with several of Armada’s playing staff.

Jacksonville boast three ex-Lions from the club’s USL days in Haiti international Mechack Jérôme, Bryan Burke and of course club legend Miguel Gallardo.

This is not to mention the fact the club are managed by Tony Meola, a familiar face across the pond with the ex-United States international goalkeeper having won 100 senior caps between 1988 and 2006.

Speaking in anticipation of the contest, Lions boss Adrian Heath spoke to the club’s official website while noting: “The Armada are a solid team who will provide a strong test for us as we begin preparing for the 2016 season.

“Obviously we’re very familiar with their team as several members are former Orlando City players. But more importantly, we’re looking forward to beginning 2016 on a strong note heading into the new MLS season.”