Orlando City SC to square off against Brazilian Série A team Ponte Preta in Orlando
International friendly announced for May 2nd at the Orlando Citrus Bowl
Orlando City SC announced an international friendly for Saturday, May 2nd against Brazilian Série A side Ponte Preta. The match will be played at the Orlando Citrus Bowl with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. This match is included in the Orlando City SC Season Ticket package. Individual tickets will be available on www.ticketmaster.com starting on Thursday at 10 a.m.
“An international friendly against the oldest Brazilian team brings world class entertainment for our fans and yet additional economic benefits for the region,” said Orlando City President and Founder, Phil Rawlins. “More Brazilians travel to Orlando than from any other country of origin, and we are excited to offer this exhibition to not only our fans, but tourists visiting the region. This once more proves our commitment to further strengthen Orlando’s image as the ‘Soccer Capital of the South’ both nationally and around the world.”
The 2013 Copa Sul-americana runner up, Ponte Preta sees the opportunity of facing Orlando City as an important step in developing its brand on the international stage.
“We want explore new horizons, increase our fan base within and outside Brazil, as well as generate new international business opportunities for Ponte (Preta),” said Gustavo Valio, Ponte’s Chief Finance Officer and president of the club’s Commission of Internationalization.
The oldest professional soccer team in continuous operation in Brazil, Ponte Preta will be the third Brazilian team to square off against the Lions in Orlando in the last three years. Orlando City also played powerhouses Fluminense FC twice, and São Paulo FC.
After helping bring the Mexican National Team back to Orlando after more than 20 years for a match against rival Costa Rica on June 27 and hand delivering Orlando’s official bid to host the Copa America Centenario USA 2016, the Lions once more defy expectations by attracting top international talent to the City Beautiful.
In addition, the Lions faced other international sides including two matches against Italian Serie A legends AS Roma, and English sides Bolton FC and Stoke City FC.
To purchase season, group or individual tickets for the Lions’ MLS matches, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY. Also, follow the latest Orlando City news and updates via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Orlando City SC:
The only Major League Soccer (MLS) team in Florida, the Lions’ first team set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 league matches (66-12-22). Orlando City has won three USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.
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