Thoughts On Attending The U.S. Women’s National Team Friendly

Kelly Christine Delaney is back On the Go to share her thoughts on the International Friendly match with U.S. Women’s National Team vs Brazil to be played this Sunday, November 10th, at the Citrus Bowl.

Soccer, it isn’t for everyone, I get it. “It’s slow” “It’s boring” “How can it end in a tie?” are all things I hear from non-soccer fans. While some aren’t open to trying the sport, I find that anyone who is open to watching a game will usually try a game involving the US national team before an MLS game. I recommend that if you’re in the Orlando area this weekend you should go and see the 2012 gold medal US national team.

Florida Citrus Bowl
United States (USA) starting XI. The women’s national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

For years I didn’t get to see a sport I enjoyed in person played professionally more than once a year until a few years ago when my hometown gained an MLS franchise. Nowadays I spend a fair amount of my year traveling to see my MLS team, the Philadelphia Union,  and the U.S. National Teams play across the country, and I’m having so much fun every chance I get to see soccer played live.

U.S.Women's National Team

I saw the U.S. Women’s National Team, USWNT, play last May before they left for the Olympics. It was a great family friendly crowd that enjoyed seeing some of the biggest stars in the world win a game. The supporters groups (dedicated fans that chant and sing for the whole game) were there in force and helped create an exciting atmosphere despite it being an international friendly. The team was very gracious after the match and signed autographs and took pictures for the fans that came out. I saw many children leave with excited stories of meeting women they looked up to. It was an awesome experience.

MLS is days away from confirming Orlando as the 21st franchise. In this exciting time for soccer in Orlando, I recommend heading down to the U.S. Women’s National Team match to meet local soccer supporters and see what the central Florida soccer community is all about.

Tickets for the U.S. Women’s National Team vs Brazil at the Citrus Bowl on November 10th are still available here!

 

We can’t wait to share our experience on Sunday, so make sure you’re following us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the fun!

 

And if you’re at the match, make sure to tweet us @onthegoinmco and say hi!!!

U.S. Women's National Team

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Florida Citrus Bowl Invites Public To U.S. Women’s National Team Training Session

U.S. Women’s National Team to Hold Public Training Session

November 9, 2013 at

Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando

Florida Citrus Bowl
United States (USA) starting XI. The women’s national team of the United States defeated the Korea Republic 5-0 during an international friendly at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on June 20, 2013.

U.S. Soccer Fans Are Encouraged to Attend Public Training Session at 11 a.m. ET as U.S. WNT Prepares to Face Brazil

All U.S. Soccer fans are invited to attend the U.S. Women’s National Team’s public training session on Saturday, Nov. 9, at11 a.m. ET at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

Admission is free and open to the public. U.S. Soccer Supporters Club members will receive premium seating at the public training session. If fans wish to take part in this exclusive priority, they can join the U.S. Soccer Supporters Club through ussoccer.com or at the stadium on the day of the training session.

At the session, fans will get a first-hand look at how the U.S. Women’s National Team prepares for a match a little more than 24 hours before kickoff.

Fans attending the public training session at the Citrus Bowl are asked to park in Lots 1, 6, 7 and A free of charge. Fans may enter the stadium through Gate B, which will open at 10:30 a.m. ET.

The U.S. will face Brazil in an international friendly match on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the match live on NBC, as well as follow the action on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and via Twitter @ussoccer_wnt.

The meeting of the world’s top-ranked U.S. team against fourth-ranked Brazil marks the first match between the countries in the United States since 2008, when the USA pulled out a 1-0 victory in San Diego. The teams have played three times since: in Beijing, China, at the 2008 Olympic gold medal game; in Dresden, Germany, during the historic 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal; and in Chiba, Japan, during an international tournament in April 2012.

Tickets are on sale through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout Central Florida (including many Walmart locations), as well as the Amway Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) [Note: Tickets are not sold at the Florida Citrus Bowl except on the day of the event.]

The match will be the USA’s first visit to Orlando and the Florida Citrus Bowl since May 22, 1999, when the Americans also played Brazil. That 3-0 U.S. victory featured Mia Hamm scoring her 108th-career goal to break the international scoring record.

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Orlando City 2013 USL PRO Championship Match Preview

Orlando City Faces Charlotte 

Saturday In 2013 USL PRO Championship

Orlando City def Riverhounds
Photo by Allison Petro

Lions attempt to capture second postseason title against Eagles Saturday night

Orlando City SC (16-4-6, 54 points, No. 2 seed) hosts the Charlotte Eagles (10-5-11, 41 points, No. 5 seed) in the 2013 USL PRO Championship on Saturday, September 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Lions attempt to capture a second postseason title in franchise history Saturday night, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

“This is the final game, and we know what we have to do,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We will have another great crowd at the Citrus Bowl Saturday night and we want to make them happy.”

Saturday’s opponent, Charlotte, upset the No. 1 seeded Richmond Kickers 2-1 last Saturday night to advance to the Championship.Midfielder Chris Ramirez scored his second goal of the postseason and Nate Thornton notched the final goal for the victory.

“Their front three players will cause different problems than most of the players in the league,” Heath continued. “I wasn’t surprised that Charlotte beat Richmond. We have to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. I think if we can do that, we can win the game.”

Leading the Charlotte frontline is striker Jorge Herrera, who led the Eagles in scoring in 2013 with 10 goals. Charlotte is coached by Mark Steffens, who’s in his 17th year with the Eagles.

The Lions have played the Eagles twice in 2013, winning 1-0 in Orlando while ending in a 0-0 draw in Charlotte. The Lions have yet to fall to the Eagles in three years, compiling a 4-0-2 all-time record against the North Carolina side.

Orlando is in the Championship match for the first time since 2011. The Lions topped the Harrisburg City Islanders on penalty kicks two years ago, taking home the USL PRO Championship in the club’s inaugural season.

Tickets for the Championship game are available by calling (855) ORL-CITY. For more information on Saturday’s Championship match, stay tuned to OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

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Goals in 87th, 90th Minutes Lift Orlando City Lions To 2-0 Victory

Orlando City

Orlando City Lions undefeated in last 25 regular season home matches

Behind 87th and 90th minute goals by Jamie Watson and Dom Dwyer, Orlando City (10-1-2, 32 points) topped visiting Antigua Barracuda FC (0-10-0, 0 points) 2-0 Sunday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The win marked the 25th consecutive regular season home match without defeat, dating back to June of 2011.

The Lions controlled possession early on, with the team adjusting to a lineup that featured 10 different starters from Friday night’s 2-0 win over the visiting Phoenix FC. Players including Defenders Justin Clark and Brian Fekete, along with former Orlando City U23s defensive stalwart Oumar Diakhite, made their first starts of the 2013 season- getting valuable minutes under their belts against Antigua.

Orlando City
Alex Schierholtz/Sportstalk Florida

Early chances by Midfielders Adama Mbengue and Assistant Coach/Midfielder Ian Fuller loosened up the Antigua backline toward the middle of the first half, with the Lions gaining more chances as the match went on. Mbengue and Fuller both had attempts ring off the right-hand post, coming dangerously close to the back of the net. The chances continued to mount for Orlando, but despite the increased pressure the clubs went into halftime tied 0-0.

League-leading scorer Dom Dwyer, Forward Long Tan and Midfielder Jamie Watson came in after the break to give the Lions a spark up front, looking to get by the Antigua backline. After chipping away and earning continued chances, Orlando finally got their chance with three minutes left to play in regulation.

Orlando City
Alex Schierholtz/Sportstalk Florida

Former Portland Timber Midfielder Freddie Braun was making a turn in the 18-yard box in the 86th minute, only for Barracuda Defender Dublin George to trip Braun- awarding Orlando the penalty. Watson converted in the bottom-left corner past Goalkeeper Molvin James, putting the Lions up 1-0. The penalty conversion marked the second straight game in which Watson converted an attempt and his seventh goal of the season.

The Lions weren’t done, with Watson finding Dwyer on a well-played ball past the Antigua defense, with the striker scoring his 15th of the season in the 90th. The conversion extended Dwyer’s single-season record of goals in a USL PRO season, which he broke on Friday in the team’s win over Phoenix.

Orlando City
Alex Schierholtz/Sportstalk Florida

Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who saw his first regular season start since an April 19th match against the LA Blues, played the full 90 minutes Sunday night behind a steady Orlando backline. The 0-0 draw was the Kansas native’s first shutout in purple colors since coming on loan at the beginning of the season.

Tonight’s win marked the 25th consecutive match the Lions have been undefeated in USL PRO regular season play at home, dating back to the team’s inaugural season in June of 2011 (Antigua). The Lions are 7-0-0 at home in 2013, scoring 25 goals while only allowing six at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Head Coach Adrian Heath looked past the three points after the match, saying the team needs to improve and was not impressed with the club’s play.

“We were pathetic,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I feel sorry for the supporters who came out and watched that performance. I’ve learned an awful lot about a lot of people today.”

Orlando enters into the fourth round of the US Open Cup this Wednesday, June 12, in Kansas City, Kansas, against Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Sporting Kansas City. The Lions topped the Colorado Rapids 3-1 on May 28 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, marking the first time in franchise history the club has beaten an MLS club in the US Open Cup. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. EST.

The four players on loan from SKC, including Dom Dwyer, Jon Kempin, Christian Duke and Yann Songo’o, will be unavailable for selection on Wednesday. For more information on Wednesday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City
Alex Schierholtz/Sportstalk Florida

Orlando City Match Recap

Team                      1    2    Final

Orlando City              0    2    2

Antigua Barracuda FC      0    0    0

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Jamie Watson (penalty) 87th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Jamie Watson) 90th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Jon Kempin, D Erik Ustruck, Oumar Diakhite, Justin Clark, Brian Fekete (Bryan Burke 66’), M Adama Mbengue (Jamie Watson 53’), Christian Duke, Ian Fuller (Dom Dwyer 46’), Freddie Braun, Jonathan Mendoza, F Dennis Chin (Long Tan 53’)

Antigua Barracuda FC- Molvin James, Dublin George, Karanja Mack, Mervyn Hazelwoord, Hazeley Pyle, Lawson Robinson, Orlando Mitchum (Alex Phillip 74’), Toric Robinson, Andre Manders (Eugine Kirwan 31’), Randolph Burton, Tamorley Thomas

Penalty Summary:

ANT- Eugine Kirwan (Yellow) 68’

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear/Cloudy

Attendance: 6,187

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

 

 

 

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Orlando City Downs Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids 3-1

Orlando City
Photo: Alex Schierholtz

Dwyer with brace, Burke with goal/assist in Orlando City SC franchise’s first win over MLS club in US Open Cup play

Orlando City SC (USL PRO) defeated the visiting Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer) 3-1 Tuesday night in the third round of US Open Cup play at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Forward Dom Dwyer notched two goals in the second half, leading the club to its first-ever win over an MLS club in US Open Cup play and advancing Orlando to the 4th round of competition.

“I think just before and during the second half we were far and away the better team,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought we were worthy winners and it would have been a travesty if we didn’t take home the win.”

Orlando City
Photo: Alex Schierholtz

Orlando got on the board early, with a Bryan Burke score giving the Lions the 1-0 advantage. In the 4th minute, the winger received the ball on the edge of the box- rifling his attempt off a Colorado defender and into the back of the net. The goal was Burke’s second consecutive, counting regular season play, with the former Kitsap Puma (PDL) star netting his first goal of the season Saturday night in USL PRO season over Wilmington.

Colorado quickly responded, with a defensive turnover leading to the equalizer. Rapids’ Midfielder Kamani Hill jumped on a bad pass by the Orlando backline in the 17th minute, putting his attempt past Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to even the game at 1-1.

After finishing out the first half tied, Orlando began the second half on the attack. In the 48th minute, Burke surged down the right hand side- floating a ball to a waiting Dom Dwyer on the back post. The USL PRO leading scorer whipped his header attempt into the back left corner, giving the Lions a 2-1 lead.

Orlando City
Photo: Alex Schierholtz

Orlando continued to push forward, resulting in a costly mistake by Colorado Goalkeeper Steward Ceus in the 57th minute. After getting free past the Rapids backline, Dwyer had a 1-on-1 with Ceus, with the goalkeeper making a last-ditch effort by tackling the Cuckfield, native, just outside the 6-yard box. The tackle resulted in a straight red, leaving the Rapids down a man heading into the final 30 minutes of the match.

It didn’t take long for Orlando to capitalize on the man-up advantage. Former Orlando City U23s Midfielder Adama Mbengue played a great ball through to Long Tan on the edge of the box in the 63rd minute, with the former DC United Striker finding Dwyer on the reception of his pass. Dwyer converted past the newly-subbed Clint Irwin for the 3-1 lead.  Orlando controlled possession to close out the match, topping the Rapids with the final score 3-1.

Orlando City
Photo: Alex Schierholtz

The win marked a few firsts for the Lions, including the club’s first win over an MLS side in Open Cup play and first time advancing to the 4th round of competition.

At time of distribution, the winner of the Des Moines Menace (PDL) and Sporting Kansas City (MLS) was not determined. Whichever club wins will play Orlando in the 4th round, with the Lions traveling to Sporting Park to play SKC in case the MLS club prevails while hosting the PDL side in Orlando if the Menace win. The match will be on Wednesday, June 12. Orlando is the official USL PRO affiliate of Sporting KC.

Orlando City Match Recap

Team                           1    2    Final

Orlando City SC                1    2    3

Colorado Rapids                1    0    1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Bryan Burke (unassisted) 4th

COL- Kamani Hill (unassisted) 18th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Bryan Burke) 48th

ORL- Dom Dwyer (Long Tan) 63rd

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- Miguel Gallardo, Yann Songo’o, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Anthony Pulis, James O’Connor, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue (Jamie Watson 67), Dom Dwyer, Long Tan (Dennis Chin 76)

Colorado Rapids- Steward Ceus, Marvell Wynne, Shane O’Neill, German Mera, Anthony Wallace, Dillon Powers, Nick LaBrocca (Atiba Harris 72), Kamani Hill (Deshorn Brown 66), Tony Cascio, Kevin Harbottle (Clint Irwin 58), Danny Mwanga

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Anthony Pulis (Yellow) 32nd

COL- Shane O’Neill (Yellow) 36th

COL- Steward Ceus (Red) 56th

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Yellow) 65th

COL- Atiba Harris (Yellow) 80th

Match Facts:

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.

Weather: Clear/Cloudy

Attendance: 4,128

 Orlando City

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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Orlando City Takes on Seattle Sounders Reserves Sunday Night

Orlando City

Orlando City first match against MLS Reserve League

squad this Sunday in Tacoma, Washington

 

After capping off a 7-2 victory Saturday nightOrlando City (5-1-1, 16 points) travels to Tacoma, Washington, to face the Seattle Sounders Reserves on Sunday, May 12, at Cheney Stadium. The game marks the first reserve-league match of the season for the Lions in the 2013 season, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. EST.

The Sounders Reserves are 1-1-1 through three games played in the 2013 MLS Reserve League. Seattle topped the San Jose Earthquakes Reserves 2-1 in their last match at Starfire Stadium, capturing their first win of the Reserve League season. The inter-league match between the Sounders and Lions will count toward each team’s respective league tables as per an agreement made between Major League Soccer (MLS) and USL PRO in the offseason.

The Lions are heading into the week coming off a 7-2 win over visiting Antigua Barracuda FC. The game set franchise records in biggest goal differential (+5) and goals scored (7) in any USL PRO match since the team began play in 2011. Sporting Kansas City loanee and Orlando City SC Forward Dom Dwyer scored his first hat trick in Orlando colors in just 40 minutes, leading the team to the dominant victory.

Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath commented on the striker’s play after the match, saying he is impressed so far with the Cuckfield, England, native’s play.

“Dom’s got a history of scoring goals,” said Heath. “He looks as though he’s going to score every time he plays.”

The Seattle match marks the beginning of a three-game road swing for Orlando, who continues on to play away against the Harrisburg City Islanders and Rochester Rhinos on May 17 and May 18, respectively. The upcoming three road games is the only time the Lions will play a trio of matches away from Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, where they are 4-0-0 in 2013.

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Orlando City Faces LA Blues Today!

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Orlando City Faces Top-Place LA Blues Today at 7:30 p.m.

Lions look for win over Blues after early season loss on Friday at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando City continues their home stand this Friday, April 19th, against the LA Blues at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl with kick off set for 7:30 p.m. The two met last week in California, with the Lions upended 1-0 by the upstart Blues on their second road match in three days to begin the regular season.

“We haven’t strung a full 90 together that we’ve all been proud of, but we’re improving,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I feel that we’re getting into some sort of rhythm and we’re looking forward to the game on Friday.”

The Lions (2-1-0, 6 points) most recently topped Rochester 3-1 at their home opener on Sunday night. Inclement weather caused the game to be delayed nearly two hours, with Dom Dwyer, Long Tan and Jamie Watson scoring for Orlando after the long delay for the win.

LA (3-1-0, 9 points) stands at the top of the table through the early 2013 USL PRO Season. Orlando fell to the Blues last week 1-0 at Cal State Fullerton Titan Stadium in Fullerton, Calif. A goal in the 80th minute from former Orlando Striker George Davis IV put LA on top, giving them their first-ever victory over the Lions in franchise history.

Orlando is 2-1-1 all-time against LA, with Heath stating this year’s Blues squad is much improved over last season’s team.

“I told the guys before we played LA the first time that the Blues are going to be a lot better than last year,” Heath added. “The coach and GM are serious football people over there and we expect them to be strong.”

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with pregame festivities including a concert by local band The Crazy Carls. Friday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com. For more information on Friday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

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Orlando City Wins Rain-Delayed Home Opener 3-1

Orlando City

Orlando City Wins Rain-Delayed Home Opener 3-1

Forwards Long Tan, Dom Dwyer, Jamie Watson score in home-opener victory Sunday night

Orlando City began their home schedule in winning style Sunday night, topping the visiting Rochester Rhinos 2-0 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Lions (2-1-0) and Rhinos (0-2-0) had to withstand a combined two hours of stoppage due to severe weather in the area as Orlando took home their second win of the young 2013 USL PRO season.

“I was confident that if we scored the first goal we’d be ok,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I love playing in the rain because the pace of the game picks up, so besides the wind I thought the conditions were fine.”

A steady rain came down on the field at the start of the game, making for a fast-paced match between the two clubs. In the 13th minute, Orlando got their first scoring chance of the game as Sporting KC and Orlando City Forward Dom Dwyer found 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino behind the Rochester backline.

Molino’s effort went off the right post after Rhino Goalkeeper Kristian Nicht was lured out of his box due to the danger, with the pressure from Orlando continuing through the beginning of the first half.

Orlando City

But as the rain continued and thunderclouds began to roll in, the match was postponed due to severe weather in the area in the 21st minute. The break lasted a total of 56 minutes, with the match resuming at 7:24 p.m. only to be postponed again minutes later. The game finally got underway at 8:30 p.m., totalling close to a two-hour delay.

When play finally resumed, Orlando continued their strong pace of passing and possession. Midfielder Jamie Watson nearly capitalized on a chance in the 37th minute, finding an open lane just outside the 18-yard mark with his attempt just missing the far post. The attacking continued, with it paying off for the Lions in stoppage time of the first 45. After Kevin Molino followed up an attempt from Dwyer, Tan found the rebound – blasting his attempt past Nicht for the 1-0 lead.

The Lions didn’t let up in the beginning of the second half, jumping on the Rochester backline to score the second goal of the game. Winger Bryan Burke placed a well-played cross to a charging Dom Dwyer in the 47th minute, who easily slotted home his second goal of the season to give Orlando the 2-0 advantage.

Watson continued the scoring for Orlando in the 62nd minute, cleaning up a loose ball in the Rhinos’ box for the 3-0 advantage. Rochester scored in the 90th minute of play as Forward Blake Brettschneider lofted his shot up and over Orlando Goalkeeper Jon Kempin. The score was too little, too late, however, with the Lions taking home the victory 3-1.

Orlando City

Orlando continues home play this Friday, April 19th, against the LA Blues. Orlando has already played the California-based squad this season, falling 1-0 on the road in Fullerton, Calif. Blues’ Forward George Davis scored the lone goal in the 80th minute for LA, propelling them to the home win. The Lions are 2-1-1 all time against the Blues in four meetings between the two clubs.

For more information on the Friday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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Match Preview: Orlando Faces Tampa In First-Ever ‘I-4 Derby’ at Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando Faces Tampa In First-Ever ‘I-4 Derby’ at Florida Citrus Bowl

Home leg this Saturday, March 9, at Florida Citrus Bowl with kickoff set for 7:30

Orlando, Fla.- Orlando City SC faces cross-state and 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies this Saturday, March 9, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.  In the inaugural ‘I-4 Derby’, a home-and-away series between the two clubs, Orlando looks to gain further traction heading into the 2013 USL PRO regular season.

The last time the two clubs met, the Lions defeated the Rowdies 2-0 in the conclusion of the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic last Saturday. Goals from Midfielder Jamie Watson and Forward Dennis Chin led the way for Orlando. Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo and the City backline held their own against the Rowdies attack, keeping their first clean sheet in the PSC vs. cross-state Tampa.

The Lions have made roster moves since the last meeting against the Rowdies, adding Orlando City U23s Captain Jonathan Mendoza and University of Tampa standout Brian Fekete to the squad. Both had previously been on trial with Orlando before signing with the team. Defender Jerome Mechack was also signed by Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Sporting Kansas City after spending most of the 2013 preseason on trial.

Tampa Bay comes into the game led by Head Coach Ricky Hill, who heads into his second season with the club. Hill led Tampa Bay to a record of 12-9-7 in the 2012 regular season before making a run in the NASL playoffs, topping Minnesota Stars FC 3-2 on penalty kicks. Lion fans will remember Rowdies standout and Midfielder Luke Mulholland, who won USL PRO Rookie of the Year after notching nine goals and five assists for rival Wilmington Hammerheads in 2011.

The I-4 Derby was announced this past November after continuous fan suggestion of creating a strong rivalry between the two franchises. The Lions and Rowdies, both recent champions in the USL PRO and NASL, are both top-flight clubs that show the rapid growth of the beautiful game in the sunshine state.

Tickets for the first match in Orlando can be purchased now by calling (855) ORL-CITY, while tickets for the second match in Tampa Bay will go on sale at a later date and will be able to be purchased through www.rowdiessoccer.com. Tickets for the Orlando match will not be included as a part of the OCSC season ticket package, but discounts will be available for season ticket holders.

The two sides will meet again on March 30 for the second leg of the derby in St. Petersburg, Fla. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium. The Lions will also continue their preseason against local college teams, including Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast and Rollins College. For the full preseason schedule, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.
Training Schedule:

Monday          Tuesday         Wednesday    Thursday       Friday

10-11:15**    10-11:15**    10-11:15**    10-11:15**    10-11:15**

*Practices are held at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla, and are open to media. Times are subject to change. Please contact Chris Jones (cjones@orlandocitysoccer.com) on confirmed times before attending training.

**times a.m.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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Orlando City Soccer Receives A Significant Investment from Brazilian Businessman

Orlando City Soccer

Orlando City Soccer Receives A Significant

Investment from Brazilian Businessman

Investment brings club one step closer to the goal of securing an MLS franchise for Orlando

Orlando City Soccer announced Monday that Brazilian native Flávio Augusto da Silva has made a significant investment and future commitment to the Orlando City franchise. The investment will be used for the club’s share of a private/publicly funded multi-purpose soccer stadium in downtown Orlando and future acquisition of an MLS franchise.

“Every year, hundreds of thousands of Brazilians visit Orlando,” said Silva. “It’s our number one destination in the US and us Brazilians, besides being famous for our friendliness and willingness to buy at the outlets and malls; we are also a nation that loves soccer. More than that, we are a country of 200 million fanatics for soccer! It is a great honor that I now become a part of this vibrant soccer club, Orlando City, which is being built with boldness to make history in this country and will give much pride to this City.”

Orlando City Soccer

Until last week, Flávio Augusto chaired the Ometz Group, with 16 holding companies, including the country’s leading English language schools for adults, Wise Up (FIFA World Cup Sponsor). On February 7th, the Ometz Group was acquired by Abril Educação, one of Brazil’s largest media companies. Today, Mr. da Silva still leads the Wise Up Group and is also the third largest shareholder in Abril Educação. As part of the acquisition, Mr. da Silva will oversee the development of Abril Educação operations around the world.

He also owns the Canal Geração de Valor “Value Generation”, where he shares entrepreneurial experience and advice; he has more than 304K followers on twitter and 670K on Facebook.

The new owner gives Orlando a major advantage in its drive to be named the next MLS expansion franchise. To secure a move up to the major leagues, MLS requires clubs to have, among other things, a fiscally stable and established ownership group and a stadium seating between 18,000 and 25,000. The Citrus Bowl and its upcoming redevelopment does not meet these needs, therefore, the club is on record stating that a 18,500 seat downtown stadium is their goal. The Lions recently presented an independent economic impact study to local press and political leaders which demonstrated that the stadium and MLS franchise would create a $1.3 billion impact for the region over the next 30-years.

Florida Governor Rick Scott came out in favor of Orlando’s MLS bid last week, stating “I am very supportive and will do everything I can do at the state level.”

MLS Commissioner Don Garber visited Orlando in March of 2012, leaving the town after meeting with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Impressed by the support from Lion fans at a town-hall style meeting, Garber said “It’s not a matter of if, but a case of when” in regards to a franchise in Central Florida. The club has been in close communication with Garber and the MLS for over two years now.

Mr. da Silva’s investment gives Orlando’s MLS bid a unique advantage, immediately gaining ties to one of the biggest soccer countries in the world, Brazil. More announcements will be made on specifics regarding the ties to Brazil in the upcoming weeks.

The existing ownership group, which includes President Phil Rawlins, will remain in place and continue to run day-to-day operations at Orlando City.  Flavio Augusto joins Orlando’s current local ownership group, which includes amongst others, entrepreneur John Bonner and Morgan & Morgan’s Scott Bates.

 

About Orlando City Soccer Club:Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is a premier professional soccer sports franchise in the United States and is a member of the USL PRO. The Lion’s pro team has won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. Outside of the pro squad, OCSC also has their own youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U23s team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit  www.orlandocitysoccer.com and www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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Orlando City Soccer Club announces 2013 schedule

orlando city

2013 Orlando City Schedule Released

Major League Soccer Integration In USL PRO Beginning In 2013

The USL PRO released their 2013 schedule today, with Orlando City opening up the regular season on the road against new USL PRO franchise Phoenix FC on April 7 and play its first home match on Sunday, April 14, vs. the Rochester Rhinos. The Lions will also play a home-and-away series against the Seattle Sounders Reserves in the 2013 regular season.

The USL/Major League Soccer (MLS) agreement announced yesterday has given MLS franchises the opportunity to pair up with an existing USL team in 2013. Orlando became the first USL PRO team to announce an affiliation, partnering with Sporting Kansas City for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.  Kansas City will be sending a minimum of four players to the Lions to gain playing time.

Other features of the schedule include a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO Semifinal vs. the Wilmington Hammerheads on May 25 at the Citrus Bowl, away against new cross-state USL PRO franchise VSI Tampa on August 4 and visiting the Sounders Reserves in Seattle at the Starfire Sports Complex on May 12. The club also plays host to Seattle on August 11.  The two matches against Seattle will count toward the USL PRO standings and MLS Reserve standings, respectively, in 2013. City also plans to hold international friendlies in the June and July area, with announcements to be made on specific opponents later on in the year.

The 2013 USL PRO Playoffs will include the top eight finishers in the table, with the quarterfinals (No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, etc.) set for the weekend of August 23-25. The semifinals featuring the four remaining teams will be played the following weekend, with the 2013 USL PRO Championship set for the weekend of September 6-8. All playoff rounds feature a single-game knockout format and teams will not be re-seeded following each round.

The Lions officially kick off the 2013 preseason at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic on February 9th. Orlando will play against MLS sides Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew. The team continues its preseason in the first ever “I-4 Derby”, a home-and-away series against 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 9 and 30.

City has begun a regular training schedule, practicing at the team’s facility in Sanford at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

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Monster Jam Returns To Orlando on January 26th

Monster Jam Returns To Orlando on January 26th

Annual motor sports spectacle is Central Florida’s largest stadium event of the year

 

Monster Jam

The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam makes its return to the Orlando area when the annual motor sports spectacle drives into the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium.

Central Florida will heat up this January when 1,500 horsepower, 10,000-pound  monster trucks compete in side-by-side racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition where each monster truck gets up to 120 seconds to “wow” the crowd with huge jumps, wheelies, truck-spinning donuts, flips, and the destruction of cars, vans, buses, motor homes and more.

The Monster Jam is one of Orlando’s most popular and largest single day stadium events, attracting capacity crowds of over 60,000 fans. A huge field of sixteen monster trucks will compete in side-by-racing and the fan-favorite freestyle competition.

One of the many highlights of this year’s event is the 10th anniversary of the sport’s 10-time World Champion Maximum Destruction.

Four-time World Champion, Dennis Anderson, returns to his favorite city driving the legendary monster truck he created 31 years ago, GRAVE DIGGER.

After touring with his oldest son Adam in 2012, Dennis will bring another Anderson with him to Orlando in 2013 with the debut appearance of SON OF A DIGGER driven by Anderson’s middle son, Ryan Anderson.

The event will also feature 10-Time World Champion MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION celebrating the team’s 10th anniversary, plus the return of GRINDER, Latino favorite EL TORO LOCO, and more yet-to-be announced motorsports competitions. 

Monster Jam
Maximum Destruction

                   

Monster Jam returns to Orlando with one show only on Saturday, January 26th at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, 1610 W. Church Street, Orlando, Florida, 32805. Gates Open at 5 pm. Opening Ceremonies at 6:30pm. Racing Starts at 7 pm.

Advance purchase SuperValue Tickets are ONLY $15. $35 VIP / $25 Sideline. However, tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Amway Center Box Office, or charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Tickets will also be available day of show at the Citrus Bowl.

All seats reserved. Subject to facility fee, plus convenience and handling charges. Don’t wait – buy tickets in advance as prices go up $5 more day of show. Get more show information at www.MonsterJam.com (click on “Tickets” and search for Orlando January 26th).

Fans can also save $15 with a Buy 3 Get 1 FREE 4-pak ticket voucher deal at area Metro PCS locations.

Monster Jame
Grave Digger

There are also a ton of Preview Opportunities and Contests going on for Monster Jam!

  • Fans can go behind the scenes, meet the drivers for autographs and photo ops, and see themonster trucks up close at the World’s Ultimate Pit Party at Tinker Field from 2-5 pm. Purchase a pit pass for only $10 more when making your ticket purchase, or pick up a free pit pass at participating Orlando area Southern Ford Dealers beginning January 2nd.  Pit Passes, along with a valid event ticket, get fans into the Pit Area.
  •  Fans can also go for a ride in a real monster truck before the show by picking up a free Monster Truck Ride Pass at any Advance Auto Parts location from 1/7/13-1/25/13 while supplies last. Monster truck rides begin at 1 p.m. in the lot across from Gate D and run until 7 p.m. Valid only with a Saturday, January 26th event ticket.
  • Save $15 and get a FREE SuperValue Ticket with a Buy 3 Get 1 SuperValue Ticket
  • FREE Deal. Pick up your free 4-Pack Ticket Voucher from participating Orlando Area MetroPCS Locations from 1/7/13 through 1/25/13 while supplies last. See Voucher for details.
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Russell Athletic Bowl Kicks Off Tonight

russell athletic bowl

I get to take a step away from the Theme Parks tonight as Orlando Bowl Week kicks off at the Russell Athletic Bowl, played at the Florida Citrus Bowl, where the Virginia Tech Hokies will be facing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

The Russell Athletic and Capital One Bowls bring thousands of visitors to explore the City Beautiful, and offer local fans a way to watch their favorite team or conference play.

Players from both teams have spent the week practicing, visiting the kids at Give Kids the World Village, exploring Walt Disney World, and getting ready for their final game of 2012 season.

Kick-off for the Scarlet Knights and Hokies is at 5:30 pm, and it is sure to be great game.

While this is the 15th time that Rutgers and Virginia Tech have faced each other, the Hokies lead the series 11-3, they haven’t met since the Hokies left the Big East in 2004.

Beamerball returns to Florida, as the Virginia Tech Hokies make their 10th Bowl appearance in the state and their first in the Russell Athletic Bowl. It has been a disappointing 6-6 season full of injuries, but Virginia Tech looks to win tonight to avoid their first losing season since 1992 and to take the focus off of the coaching staff questions and back on the team.

Meanwhile the Scarlet Knights have had quite a different season than the Hokies. Kyle Flood, in his first season as Head Coach at Rutgers, led them in a successful 9-3 season to their first Big East Championship. A win tonight against the Virginia Tech Hokies would give the Scarlet Knights their best season since 2006 with a 6th straight bowl win.

With both teams having offensive struggles and inconsistencies at times, this game is going to come down to how well the defenses will be able to perform. While the Hokie in me is hoping that they’ll be able to dig down deep to pull out a win, I am realistic about their chances against Rutgers whose defense ranks in the top 25 nationally in four major defensive statistical categories. I am sure that both teams will try to establish a strong running game to offset a weak offense, force turnovers from defenses that are proven scorers, and hope for special teams gold. It is going to be a close game that you won’t want to miss.

If you can’t make it to the Russell Athletic Bowl tonight, make sure you tune at 5:30 pm to ESPN and follow along on our adventure @onthegoinmco!

 

 

 

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Orlando City Announces Study Demonstrating $1.2 Billion Impact For Central Florida

ORLANDO CITY PRESENTS STUDY DEMONSTRATING $1.2B IMPACT FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA

Proposed stadium would cost $96 million and is key to entry into MLS

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Orlando City SC (OCSC) held a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Amway Center to present the Economic Impact Study the team commissioned from CS&L. The study showed that a new Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium would have a $1.2 billion economic impact on the local area. The presentation, led by OCSC President Phil Rawlins, was yet another step on the team’s journey toward an MLS franchise for Central Florida.

“We have a fantastic opportunity to bring a second major-league pro sports franchise to the city,” said Rawlins. “We need to grasp it with both hands and come together to make this work for the region.”

The report laid out the economic details on Orlando City’s goal of becoming a MLS franchise in the immediate future. The estimated cost of the new multi-purpose stadium would be $96 million. The new facility would generate new revenues of $1.2 billion over the next 30 years.

71% of the overall cost of the stadium would be spent locally in the Central Florida area, totaling $69 million. Construction of the facility would also create 890 jobs in the Orlando area.

USL teams, like Orlando, that have moved up to MLS have averaged a 325% attendance increase in their first season- making a strong statement that OCSC could draw big attendance numbers once in the MLS.

The proposed facility would also be able to host international friendly games, US National Team and NCAA Final Four soccer matches along with regional sporting events and concerts.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCoiAeqDMg&feature=share&list=UUrCHG9q2F2U57_QSEKHWvIQ

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is the premier professional soccer sports franchise in the State of Florida. The Lion’s have won two regular season titles and one postseason championship during their short time in Orlando. For more info on pro or youth soccer in Orlando visit www.orlandocitysoccer.comand www.orlandocityyouth.org.

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Orlando City Soccer, We Thank You!

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review
Orlando City Soccer Club

Orlando City Soccer, We Thank You! 

On Friday The Orlando City Soccer Club ended their amazing season in a loss to the Wilmington Hammerheads 4-3 in the first game of the USL Pro Semi Final.

At the Orlando City Soccer game the Citrus Bowl was rocking with intense energy! The Lions played their hearts out and left it all out on the field, The Iron Lion Firm cheered their faces off not letting their support waiver even more a minute, and the fans stood and cheered for almost the entire game. Shelley, Shalon and I were there for every moment in all of our red and purple and black festivenss! We showed up early to take part in the Pre-Game festivities and we stayed well after to congratulate the Players and Coaches!

We are extremely excited about our first season with Orlando City Soccer,  but I can promise it wont be our last! We are all planning how we can bring you better coverage and information about this extraordinary group of players and fans next season!

Thank You to The Lions for showing us what soccer is about and how much love you have for the game, your team, the city, and your fans! We can not wait to see what next season holds!!

Here are some of our views of the Game Friday!

 

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