"It's not if, but when" - Don Garber I can remember a meeting very similar to this in Philadelphia a few years ago," said Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer. Philadelphia started MLS play in 2010 and is already a wildly successful franchise. After today, Orlando City is very much on MLS' list. "It's not a matter of if, but a matter of when." Those are the words, repeated several times during his media interviews after the Supporters Summit, straight from Commissioner Garber. He is fully behind Orlando City becoming an MLS team. All we have to do now is figure out the details. We're handling our end regarding the stadium solution and dealing with the City, but Commissioner Garber was quite clear - the supporters need to be involved. Garber left City fans with several suggestions on how to proceed: •Grow the fan base •Supporters need to engage more with sponsors •Grow the sponsorship base (see point 2) Other issues addressed were the status of MLS wanting a second team in New York and the possibility of a team in Miami. NY2 remains a focus for the league, but Garber also acknowledged that it will take time to get that franchise up and running. He also made it clear that MLS will not stop at 20 teams, but will not expand for expansion's sake. The league has a clear understanding of what needs to be done to become an expansion team, and Orlando City is very much on that path already http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/index.html?article_id=737
Orlando City owners confident they have winning expansion formula KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The conversation and speculation as this week's MLS All-Star break came to a close in Kansas City focused on 2020 and the four expansion clubs that the league intends to add in time for its silver anniversary season. One of them most likely will belong to retired midfielder David Beckham, who has pledged to exercise his option to purchase a team and has made no secret of his focus on Miami. The remaining cities that have expressed interest, from a top-ten market like Atlanta to a major league newcomer like Oklahoma City, now have a timeline, a target and an invitation to proceed. The roadmap has been laid out. But it is one in which Orlando City owners Flávio Augusto da Silva and Phil Rawlins have no interest. They're not concerned with putting together a package that will sway the MLS board of governors five or six years down the road. They're not worried about fulfilling the league's increasingly stringent expansion criteria. They're not challenged with the onerous prospect of establishing a brand, relationships or momentum at home. Da Silva, Rawlins and City are anxious and eager. And they're almost ready Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130801/orlando-city-expansion-mls/#ixzz2apRGPJK4
Orlando moves another step closer to MLS dream This tends to get said a lot lately, but Monday really was a huge day for Orlando City SC and their bid to become an MLS team. The Orlando City Council unanimously approved the plans to build a new stadium in a 7-0 vote. The only hurdle still remaining for the stadium is the vote on Oct. 22, when the plan will come before the Orange County Commissioners. If everything goes according to plan, the Lions can then enter final negotiations for an MLS franchise. Meanwhile, Orlando City’s current home, the Citrus Bowl, is set to play host to international soccer. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/08/kick-orlando-moves-another-step-closer-mls-dream
Report: MLS will move "very quickly" on expansion process should final Orlando City vote pass Major League Soccer will move “very quickly” to begin the process to add Orlando City as an expansion franchise if Tuesday’s crucial county vote goes the club’s way, according to a Monday report in the Orlando Sentinel. The commissioners of Orange County will vote on Tuesday whether to devote $20 million in tourist taxes toward the construction of an $84 million soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando. The vote passed unanimously earlier this month in an Orlando city board of commissioners vote, and Tuesday’s county vote is seen as the last obstacle. The Sentinel quoted MLS president Mark Abbott, who was in Orlando on Monday to meet with the county commissioners, as saying that should the vote go in the USL PRO club’s favor, "[The league’s] next step is to finalize an expansion agreement, and I believe that we'll be able to do that.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ly-expansion-process-should-final-orlando-cit
Orlando mayor confirms purchase of downtown land for soccer-specific stadium ORLANDO’S MAYOR OFFICIALLY UNVEILS SOCCER STADIUM PLANS: Huge news coming out of Orlando, as Mayor Buddy Dyer confirmed the City has spent $8.2 million on purchasing land to give to Orlando City Soccer Club for a new soccer-specific stadium. The plot of land sits in a prime
Deal for new soccer stadium gets closer Stadium deal would include 2 phases ORLANDO, Fla. —After two wins during the U.S. Open Cup, the Orlando City soccer club is close to joining Major League Soccer, a source told WESH 2 News. The source told WESH 2 News sports anchorman Larry Ridley that the team and Orlando officials were close to finalizing a new soccer stadium deal that would include two phases. The plan is expected to be presented before July's All-Star Game in Kansas City. The new soccer stadium would be built near Amway Center. The first phase would cost about $80 million and have no roof overhang for fans in the end zones, as well as less air conditioning than originally planned and three suites instead of four. The stadium would also have 17,500 seats instead of 19,000. Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/sports/dea.../20583610/-/1eck1k/-/index.html#ixzz2WQZQpgEt
Orlando City Claims Championship Lions take second title in front of USL-record crowd of 20,886 Saturday, September 7, 2013 ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC captured its second USL PRO Championship as Dom Dwyer claimed Most Valuable Player honors after a four-goal performance earned his side a 7-4 victory against the Charlotte Eagles on Saturday night. The victory came in front of a USL-record crowd of 20,886 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, with the Sporting Kansas City loanee sending the Lions’ fans into wild celebrations at the end of a wild contest. The Lions came out strongly in front of their raucous support, and forced a pair of corners in the opening three minutes, the second of which saw Renan Boufleur send a shot over the crossbar. Charlotte was able to withstand the early pressure, however, and grabbed the lead in the 20th minute as a corner from the left by Jorge Herrera went to the back post, where Fejiro Okiomah was on hand to head home and momentarily silence the Citrus Bowl. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/754162.html
OC Soccer stadium Q&A: As deal emerges, we have the details Whether Orlando becomes the next Major League Soccer city will likely be decided in the next few weeks, as the minor-league Orlando City Soccer Club negotiates with local politicians for a new stadium. In the works is a deal for an $85 million stadium, with $30 million coming from the team. The Orlando Sentinel obtained a draft copy of the proposed agreement that offers many details of the plan . http://www.reddit.com/tb/1ng108 Architect releases, then pulls, unofficial renderings of Orlando's proposed soccer stadium http://www.reddit.com/tb/1ng67o
Orange County approves funding for Orlando soccer stadium Orlando is one step closer to having a downtown soccer stadium. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSaVAiNHsvk&feature=player_embedded On Tuesday afternoon, the Orange County Board of Commissioners voted through the approval of funds for a new multi-purpose soccer stadium for Orlando City SC, who currently play in the USL PRO. Per a release from the club, with the funding plan now complete, Orlando City executives will now enter into final negotiations with Major League Soccer (MLS) to bring a franchise to Orlando. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...roves-funding-downtown-orlando-soccer-stadium
MLS hopefuls Orlando City SC to play at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex for 2014 season Orlando City SC may be planning to build a soccer-specific stadium in the near future, but in the meantime, they will make a temporary move to a new venue. The club announced Tuesday it will play its home games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World for the 2014 USL PRO season. The move is expected to last one season, before the club moves back to the Florida Citrus Bowl for the 2015 season following a planned $200 million in renovations. “We hope our fans are as thrilled as we are to call ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex our home field for the 2014 season,” Orlando City president Phil Rawlins said in a statement. “With professional sporting event experience, premier soccer fields and world-class amenities, this facility will enable us to play all of our home games in one location and in a venue where our fans will be closer to our players than ever before. We look forward to next year’s possibilities before hopefully heading into MLS for the 2015 season.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ay-espn-wide-world-sports-complex-2014-season
Orlando Health & Orlando City SC Announce Historic Agreement ORLANDO, Fla. — In the first of two major announcements this week regarding the future of Orlando City SC, the Club and Orlando Health announced today an extension of their existing partnership. The announcement ensures that Orlando Health’s will remain the official healthcare partner to Orlando City SC, the Club’s proposed new downtown soccer stadium and Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS). “There is no partner we’d rather have. Orlando Health has always shared our vision of bringing Major League Soccer to Orlando since day one,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “Not only are we securing a world-class healthcare partner, but we are solidifying a true partnership between two organizations committed to making Central Florida a better place.” “We’re excited about this agreement and what it means for us as an organization and this community, which has rallied fervently around Orlando City SC,” said George Haidukewych, M.D., academic chairman and chief of orthopedic trauma at Orlando Health. “It will showcase the unique abilities of our medical team to provide high-quality care for these professional athletes, and help ensure successful, winning seasons for the Lions.” Under the agreement, Orlando Health will be the exclusive provider of medical care to Orlando City SC players, and provide athletic trainers who will perform training services for players, including on-site, in-stadium medical services as required on game days. In addition, the athletic trainers will provide services to participants at Orlando City Youth Soccer during practices, games, and tournaments. http://www.reddit.com/tb/1qwzn3
] Iron Lion Firm Similar to the passion of Barra Bravas of the world, the Iron Lion Firm is a boisterous group of dedicated individuals who's only purpose is to be the "12th man" of Orlando City S.C. Besides being known for a constant 90 minute of chanting, you can identify the ILF by the infamous streamers being thrown from section 121, which has become part of the culture of Orlando City. http://ironlionfirm.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/ironlionfirm http://www.facebook.com/IronLionFirm Ruckus The Ruckus is an independent supporters group of Orlando City Soccer Club and supporters of the growth of soccer at all levels in Central Florida. Our emphasis is creating a great atmosphere and welcoming environment for all fans of soccer and Orlando City. You don’t have to pay to be part of The Ruckus. Just show up at any of our events which include general meetings, watch parties, charity events, local college games, and of course Orlando City games. We tailgate a few hours before every game in Lot L which is followed by our march-in to section 119. Visit our website for more information and follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with all events and Ruckus news. http://www.ruckustilwedie.com/ http://www.facebook.com/RuckusTilWeDie https://twitter.com/#!/RuckusPR ORLANDO RED CITY FANS https://twitter.com/RedCityFans https://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-City-Fans/259567754064046 O-Town Hooligans https://www.facebook.com/pages/O-Town-Hooligans/199120753460474 https://twitter.com/reevesarmyoc/statuses/56835762313887744 SPACE COAST ALLIANCE https://www.facebook.com/SpaceCoastAlliance?directed_target_id=0 THE 407 https://www.facebook.com/407OCSC?directed_target_id=0 https://twitter.com/The_407 Los Guerrilloz https://www.facebook.com/LosGuerrilloz?directed_target_id=0 https://twitter.com/LosGuerrilloz
Major League Soccer names Orlando City SC as 21st franchise, set for 2015 debut NEW YORK – Get ready Major League Soccer, because purple is the new black. Buoyed by ambitious owners, three years of success at the minor-league level, and a fast-growing fanbase, Orlando City Soccer Club was named MLS's 21st franchise on Tuesday. Orlando City – who are expected to don jerseys with their signature purple color scheme, a first in the league’s 18-year history – will make their MLS debut in 2015, the league's 20th season. “We are proud and excited to welcome Orlando to Major League Soccer,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a league statement. “From the success of the Orlando City Soccer Club, to the incredible fan support and passion in the community, this is a new market that really excites us. "We have great confidence in Flávio Augusto da Silva, Phil Rawlins and the rest of the Orlando City ownership group. They love this sport, our League and this city. And thanks to the commitment of ownership, the City of Orlando and Orange County, Orlando City will soon have a spectacular new stadium that will provide fans and the entire community with a truly unique downtown sporting experience.” Garber and principal club owners da Silva and Rawlins made the news official on Tuesday in front a sea of purple-clad fans in Orlando, a celebratory moment for a franchise with its eyes on MLS expansion since 2010. The club moved from Austin, Texas, three years ago with full knowledge that Orlando is one of the fastest growing markets in the US, with the nation’s fourth fastest-growing Latino market. They backed up the promising off-field demographics with on-field success, earning the USL PRO regular-season title in 2011 and 2012 and surging to the league’s postseason crown in 2013. Da Silva, a native of Brazil, leads Orlando City's ownership group, which includes club founder and managing partner Rawlins, chairman John Bonner and 10 local partners. Da Silva previously owned Wise Up, a group of more than 400 language schools operating in five countries, and currently owns Geração de Valor (Valuable Generation), a company dedicated to developing young entrepreneurs. "Orlando is a special city with amazing fans that have embraced the beautiful game and we have no doubt that Orlando City will become the next success story in MLS,” da Silva said in a statement. “We would like to thank MLS leadership for working with us and helping us bring Major League Soccer to Central Florida. "Our goal is to continue the championship-winning ways this organization has established and to further the special relationship that this club has with its fans and the city of Orlando.” Originally from the United Kingdom and a part-owner of English Premier League club Stoke City, Rawlins founded and developed a highly successful information technology sales and marketing consulting company. He founded the Austin Aztex in 2007, before moving the team to Orlando in late 2010. "It is a dream come true to bring Major League Soccer to Orlando," Rawlins said in a statement. “The fans in Orlando have clearly demonstrated that they are ready for MLS, and we look forward to celebrating with them and working together to set a new standard in this country. We have watched the evolution of Major League Soccer, and we are thrilled to join what has become one of the fastest growing and most exciting leagues in the world.” Rawlins has already added to the excitement with statements that the club will sign the "Brazilian Beckham" when it joins MLS. Many observers believe Rawlins is referring to Brazilian attacking midfielder Kaká, who is friends with da Silva and who visited the club earlier this year. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...es-orlando-city-21st-franchise-set-2015-debut
Can Orlando become the newest Soccer City USA? There's history: Here are the top 10 moments in Orlando soccer Soccer is probably not the first thing the average American associates with the city of Orlando. Well, that's about to change after Tuesday's announcement that Orlando City Soccer Club will be joining MLS in 2015 as the league's 21st club. But even before Tuesday, Orlando has had its fair share of memorable soccer moments that would be the envy of most US cities – enough, in fact, for a ranking. Here are the Top 10 moments in Orlando soccer history http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...r-city-usa-here-are-top-10-moments-orlando-so http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTQXFqIkeCI
Orlando City ownership looks to bring in "very special" player as first-year DP, have spoken to Kaka ORLANDO, Fla. – When it comes to Designated Players, Orlando City SC certainly aren’t content to wait around. Even before the balloons dropped to celebrate the club’s official entry into MLS in 2015, majority owner Flávio Augusto da Silva let the club’s fans in on a little secret. On Wednesday, da Silva admitted he’d be headed to Europe to hold talks with a "very special" target. Da Silva could not confirm the identity of the player, of course, but he did paint a vivid picture of the player expected to be the face of the club in two year’s time. “We want a player who is literally a soccer star – worldwide, well known and very well recognized – just to represent our team in the first season,” da Silva told MLSsoccer.com. “This is our goal. I cannot say the name [of the player] that we’re prospecting right now, but we’re going to bring someone very important and very special.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-bring-very-special-player-first-year-dp-have
Orlando City SC getting a facelift: Team's logo will change for 2015 expansion season Orlando City are moving up to the big time after they became the newest MLS expansion team on Tuesday, and they're getting a facelift just in time for 2015. They're changing their current logo. OCSC founder and president Phil Rawlins confirmed that the design process is already underway. "We've started work with the design of the new logo," he said on a media conference call Wednesday. "We're going to change that slightly. We'll maintain the 'lions' as our nickname and the lions will play a prominent part in the logo." One thing that will stay the same: the team's primary purple color. "We love it, we own it. It's great," Rawlins said. "And I have a wardrobe full of clothes and we're not going to swap it. There'll be a few changes like the logo and you'll see those rolled out through the course of 2014." When will you see the new logo? The unveiling will be part of a whole series of events being planned for 2014, their final year as defending champions in third-division USL PRO. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...t-teams-logo-will-change-2015-expansion-seaso
Orlando City supporters march to MLS announcement. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TKSxVX_-6Mk
More Teams Added To Disney PSC Lineup: Crew, Union, Sporting Kansas City all join 2014 Disney Pro Soccer Classic Major League Soccer's (MLS) Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City and Philadelphia Union will join the 2014 Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic lineup. Orlando City and MLS side Montreal Impact were the first to announce their entry into the annual tournament held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Lions will call the WWOS Complex home in 2014, the final year before entering into MLS in 2015. Entering its fifth year, the Disney Pro Soccer Classic is designed to boost interest in soccer throughout Central Florida and establish the area as a prime training and competition destination for pro soccer clubs. Last year, the event at Disney attracted fans from across the U.S. and Canada and gave them a unique opportunity for an intimate fan experience at a world-class facility. The tournament will run from February 19-March 1. A full schedule will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned to OrlandoCitySC.com for more announcements leading into the 2014 preseason. http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1676
Just a few weeks after Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath returned from a scouting trip around Europe, including such places as Madrid (Spain) and Everton (England), he kept his bags packed for a trip to El Salvador- watching the National League Semifinal match between Fas and Juventud Independiente. “The atmosphere was incredible,“ Heath said in his interview with OrlandoCitySC.com. “Just a great environment.” Heath has been busy since the MLS announcement, looking around the world for players on his 2014 USL PRO squad and potentials for the club’s 2015 inaugural Major League Soccer season. Heath’s interest in the trip sprung after watching the El Salvador National Team play- becoming intrigued in the players coming from the area. http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1678
