ORLANDO MAYOR BUDDY DYER TO VISIT LIVESTRONG SPORTING PARK
Joins President Phil Rawlins on trip to further investigate stadium options in Orlando
In an effort to further explore stadium options in the Central Florida area, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando City Soccer President Phil Rawlins will be touring facilities around Kansas City, Kansas, from Wednesday through Friday, including Livestrong Sporting Park, Sporting Kansas City’s multi-purpose stadium.
The trip will cultivate with Dyer and Rawlins attending a Major League Soccer match between Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo on Friday night.
Dyer has been a big supporter of the club since their move to Orlando two seasons ago. The mayor recently commented on the club’s success and the fan support the organization has quickly grown.
“Orlando City Soccer Club has given our community an opportunity to enjoy this international sport,” he said in an email message. “Our community’s soccer enthusiasts have quickly become loyal fans.”
The Kansas City trip is not the first Orlando City has taken to explore stadium options. Last month, the front office traveled to Houston to tour BBVA Compass Stadium, MLS’ newest and most cost-effective stadium to date. The Lions ownership group has also previously made trips to Portland, Seattle and Vancouver.
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 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.
Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been full of great stuff, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened September 3-7!!!
Let’s get this party started!!!
We started the week with a look at SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team’s efforts to save stranded pilot whales. SeaWorld Orlando Animal Rescue Team, along with several local agencies, responded on September 1, 2012, to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team, along with several agencies, responded to 22 short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Florida’s Avalon State Park Beach in St. Lucie County.
Orlando City Soccer shoots and SCORES during their last game of the 2011-2012 Season!
Wordless Wednesday took us to one of my favorite moments in Wishes!
Wordless Wednesday – Wishes!
Scared Shrekless Family Fun is coming to the Gaylord Palms Resort this Halloween offering guests the opportunity to scare up some fun with their favorite characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda!
Scared Shrekless at Gaylord Palms Resort – October 13th and 27th
Betsy took us along on the final leg of her Disneyland in this amazing Trip Report!
httpv://youtu.be/O11z4CWTpqc
We also took a look at the adorable The Tigger Movie that is out now on Blu-Ray.
The Tigger Movie is available now on Blu Ray!
And we ended the week with a giveaway that would make any woman happy…A chance to win a pair of Custom Christian Louboutin shoes! In honor of Disney’s global release of the classic animated masterpiece “Cinderella”, which will be available in Blu-ray™ Diamond Edition on October 2, 2012, Walt Disney Studios, in collaboration with Christian Louboutin and Glam Media, today reveal details of their national quest to find a modern-day Cinderella. One lucky woman whose style and fashion sense best embodies the Cinderella fairytale will ultimately be awarded with a pair of original Cinderella slippers re-imagined by world-renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin during a private event at Disneyland, CA taking place on September 27th.
Enter the Cinderella Christian Louboutin Giveaway Today!
Thanks for joining us our Weekly Review at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!! We’ll be covering Nights of Joy at the Magic Kingdom, Disney on Ice: Rockin’ Ever After, LEGOLAND going to galaxies far away, and a ghostly Titanic Experience!
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!
It was perfect weather for some Orlando City Soccer goodness!
Running and keeping limber!
Iron Lion Firm!!!
Section 121 hanging some sign, getting ready for the game!
Matt watching everyone during warm ups on the Citrus Bowl field!
Orlando City Soccer dancers…and even some in-training!
Jamie Watson!!!!
Its time to get ready for the game!
Sean warming up
Section 121 getting ready to cheer on Orlando City Soccer!
Shalon, Shelley, and I at the Orlando City Soccer Pre-Game Tailgate.
The Iron Lion Firm Staph
We love being in the action and cheering for Orlando City Soccer!
Shalon is all smiles for the lions!
Letting the flags fly!
Orlando City Soccer home town pride!
Let’s start chanting!
The sea of purple in section 121!
Jamie Watson scores for Orlando City Soccer
This IS Orlando!
Orlando City Soccer fans get feisty with the crepe paper!
Orlando City Soccer shoots and SCORES during their last game of the 2011-2012 Season!
Even the drum needs a break at half time! The Iron Lion Firm was behind Orlando City Soccer 1000%!
Some Orlando City Soccer fans taking half time goal shots.
Being down 3-1 is tough for Orlando City Soccer.
Orlando City Soccer Thunder sticks are GREAT for chanting!
Weekly Review: August 27 – August 31, 2012: Our Week on The Go!
Hidden Gems of WDW, Orlando City Soccer, Halloween at LEGOLAND Florida, Magic Kingdom in the Fall, And Solar Bears Hockey
Its Weekly Review Time!!!! This past week here at On the Go has been full of great stuff, and its almost my favorite time of year which makes me even more excited about all that is going on around Orlando! Now it’s time to look back, with our Weekly Review, at all that happened her at On the Go in MCO August 27th to August 31st!!!
ORLANDO CITY REMAINS CONFIDENT IN HEADING INTO PLAYOFFS
Rivalry heats up in first-ever playoff meeting between the Lions and Hammerheads
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club begins their title defense on Friday as they kick off the 2012 USL PRO Playoffs against their fierce rivals, the Wilmington Hammerheads at 7:30 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl.
“Like I say against everyone, we’ll give them the respect they deserve,” said Orlando City Soccer Head Coach Adrian Heath. “But we don’t fear anyone. We’re confident in our own ability to get the job done.”
The bad blood between the two sides has been brewing all season long, starting with the Lions defeating the Hammerheads 4-1 in the 2012 home opener. Orlando City dominated the game, and set the tone for a record-breaking season with the statement win.
Wilmington returned the favor when the City travelled north to Legion Stadium, and defeated the Lions 3-1. It was Orlando City Soccer’s only loss of the USL PRO season. Orlando’s players and coaching staff haven’t forgotten.
“We scored first, early on, but we didn’t play well,” said Heath. “It’s tight up there, and that gave us some trouble. Fortunately, we don’t have that issue at home.”
In the two matches between City and Wilmington, the Lions have outscored the Hammerheads 5-2, but in the most recent meeting, the match was played to a 1-1 draw. Much of that scoreline was the result of the Hammerheads’ defense-minded strategy and willingness to sit and wait for countering opportunities.
“I think it’s difficult for teams to not do that when they come here to play us,” said Heath, referring to Wilmington’s defensive strategy. “Especially when we play well. I thought a lot of our football was very, very good in the last game.”
Statistically, the Lions dominated that final match, outshooting the Hammerheads 36-6. Though Orlando City Soccer scored only once, they also hit the post several times. The Hammerheads managed just one serious scoring chance, the result of a surprising defensive lapse from the league’s best back line, but they made it count. Orlando will be keen to avoid those mistakes on Friday.
“If we have that many efforts at goal again, I’ll be delighted,” said Heath. “That will probably win us the game. But it’s that time of the year now – play well and carry on or go home. Our memories of the final last year are still very vivid, very fresh. That will be out motivation on Friday, because we want to experience that again.
The match will be broadcast locally on AM 740 The Game, and will be simulcast on USLNation.com for those outside Orlando. Tickets for the match are still available, and start at just $15. For more information, call 855-ORL-CITY or visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
Player to Watch – Kevin Molino:
This season, as Dennis Chin goes, so does Orlando City. The 2012 USL PRO Goals Champion and Points Champion has been the Lions’ breakout star this season, and for good reason. He makes things happen. But behind Chin, there has been a far more important player pulling the strings – Kevin Molino.
Though he has registered just seven official assists on Orlando City’s 50 goals this season, there’s hardly a scoring chance the Lions have converted that doesn’t involve Molino in some manner. Like last year’s USL PRO MVP Yordany Alvarez, Molino pulls the strings in the City offense. His distribution skills are unmatched in the league. If Molino plays well, the Lions will move on to the USL PRO Championship for the second straight season.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando’s premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues. During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships, and was named the 2011 USL PRO Organization of the Year. For more information, visit www.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
Orlando City Soccer Club Plays Their First Playoff Game of the Season August 31st!
Orlando City Soccer Club
OK Everyone! Grab your favorite Purple and Red Outfit and head to the Citrus Bowl on Friday, August 31st, night because those AMAZING boys over at Orlando City Soccer Club are playing their first play off game of the season! The Lions will be facing the Wilmington Hammerheads in the play off opener! Kick off is at 7:30pm
From The Desk of the Orlando City Soccer Club Lions:
Orlando City did not play this past weekend because the Lions earned a first-round-bye when they won the 2012 USL PRO Regular Season championship. The Hammerheads qualified for the postseason with a win on the final day of the regular season, and followed that up with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Richmond Kickers on Saturday.
Historically, the Lions are 2-1-2 against Wilmington, and hold a 1-1-1 record against the Hammerheads in three meetings this season. Wilmington was the only USL PRO team to beat City all season, but that win came in Wilmington. In two Citrus Bowl clashes, Orlando defeated the Hammerheads 4-2 in the 2012 home opener on April 15, and drew 1-1 on July 25.
Ahead of Friday’s match, Orlando City is holding several events to raise awareness of the Lions’ push for a second-consecutive USL PRO championship. The highlight of the week is on Wednesday when City players and staff will be joined by Mayor Dyer in from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in front of City Hall for a Playoff Pep Rally.
Before Friday’s match, United World Soccer will be hosting a tailgate party at the Citrus Bowl. Free beer for those 21 and up as well as prizes and giveaways are sure to get the crowd fired up for Friday’s match. The tailgate party begins at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets for Friday’s match are on sale now and start at just $15. For more information, call 855-ORL-CITY or email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Amway Center Box Office, on www.ticketmaster.com, or at the Citrus Bowl on Friday.
I know for a fact that Shelley, Shalon and I will be there in all of our Purple and Red glory in support of the Orlando City Soccer Club, so if you plan on stopping by PLEASE Tweet one of us and let us know! We love cheering for The Lions! You will be able to find us hanging with the Iron Lion Firm in section 121, because they know how to cheer! Be sure to follow On The Go on Twitter while we live tweet from the event and send out some pictures! Good Luck Guys!
KEVIN MOLINO NAMED TO TRINIDAD SQUAD FOR CANADA FRIENDLY
Orlando City midfielder expected to earn 10th career cap on Wednesday
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation has named Orlando City Soccer Club Midfielder Kevin Molino to the squad for Wednesday’s international friendly against Canada. Molino is aiming for the 10th cap of his senior international career.
“I’ve never faced them before at the senior level so I’m anxious to play this first game,” said Molino to TTFF media. “I know it’s going to be a tough game because they have been together for a while and they are preparing for the rest of their 2014 qualifying games.”
Molino has joined the T&T squad in Ft. Lauderdale for a brief training camp ahead of Wednesday’s match. The game will be played in Lauderhill, Fla., at the Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium. Former Lion Devorn Jorsling, the player who converted the game-winning penalty kick in last year’s USL PRO Championship Game, was also named to the Soca Warriors squad for Wednesday.
“I’m delighted he’s getting another cap for his country,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “It’s another opportunity to show his talent to a wider audience. It all helps with gaining experience. Hopefully he comes back fit and well for Friday.”
With the limited amount of travel required for Wednesday, Molino is expected to be available for Orlando City’s regular season finale against the Dayton Dutch Lions on Friday. With City having a first-round bye in the playoffs, Molino will still have plenty of time to rest should he play two games in three days.
Tickets are still available for Friday’s match, and start at just $15. Tickets for the playoff opener on August 31, opponent to be determined, are also on sale now. Call 855-ORL-CITY or visitwww.orlandocitysoccer.com for more information.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is one of Orlando’s premier professional sports franchises. Orlando City plays in the USL PRO league, part of the United Soccer Leagues. During the inaugural 2011 season, the Orlando City Lions captured the USL PRO American Division, Regular Season, and Playoff championships, and was named the 2011 USL PRO Organization of the Year. For more information, visitwww.orlandocitysoccer.com today.
CONGRATS To Kevin!!!! He happens to be one of our favorite players! ( Aurora I am looking at YOU MA’AM) ! We are so proud that one of our guys got picked for this! Amazing news!!! See You All at the game on the 17th !!!!!!
The Week in Review: July 30 – August 3, 2012: Fashion, Celebrities, SUP, & Giveaways!!!
It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened July 30th to August 3rd!!!
Let’s Go!
On Monday, Christa Dunbar helped us take a peek at the new Artist Collection for Target! I am going to go broke buying these awesome shirts!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcUg-Id6GU
Also, I took a look at all of the activities you can find at Discovery Cove! This boutique park has a lot more to offer than just swimming with Dolphins!!!
The Dolphin Interaction at Discovery Cove!
We all have a new passion at On the Go, and that is supporting the Orlando City Soccer Club! Check out Aurora’s soccer adventures as she talks about the sport, culture, and fun of being a OCSC Fan!
Cheering For the home town boys!!!
For Wordless Wednesday, I took at a look at one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys at the Magic Kingdom! Arrrr!!!
Pirates of the Caribbean Hidden Mickey in the Gold!
Shalon put together an awesome video highlighting our experience at the Orlando City Soccer Club game against Stoke City!!!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo62GCoeHTE
CELEBRITY SIGHTING!!! Betsy shares her day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios complete with a Tom Cruise sighting at Toy Story Midway Mania!!!!!
Tom Cruise on Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
LEGOLAND Florida announced their Brick-Or-Treat Halloween Event that will take place later this fall! It looks like it’s going to be a really family-friendly way to celebrate with your favorite ghosts and goblins!
Celebrate Halloween this fall with Brick-Or-Treat at LEGOLAND Florida
This Friday all of us sat down to share our favorite ways to Beat the Heat in the Parks just in time for the dog days of summer in our latest Roundtable discussion!
And we rounded out our week, with Megan looking back at the first in our Florida Adventures Series with our Paddleboarding, SUP, experience with East Coast Paddle in New Smyrna Beach, Florida!
Shelley and Megan Paddleboarding in New Smyrna Beach, FL!
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!
I hope that you enjoy these highlights from the Orlando City Soccer match again Stoke City, July 27, 2012. We watched the game from the fun and rowdy section 121 which is occupied by the Iron Lion Firm fans!
So as everyone knows, I love to do new things! A few nights ago Shelley and I (and then two nights later Shalon and I) went to our first Orlando City Soccer Club match and I have to say they have made fans for LIFE!
Follow The Fans!!!!
The Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer team based in Orlando, Florida, United States. Founded in 2010, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. Their Colors are Purple, Red and Gold and White and their mascot is the Lion.
Orlando City Lions
The ownership group, originally identified as Orlando Pro Soccer, was announced on March 4, 2010, and was initially affiliated with the Orlando TitansNational Lacrosse League team. However, the Titans ran into financial difficulties. Steve Donner left the Titans club after the 2010 NLL season to focus on the soccer effort. In October 2010, the Orlando Pro Soccer USL rights were purchased by Phil Rawlins, a board member of EnglishPremier League club Stoke City, who moved the Austin Aztex organization to Orlando. The team was announced on October 25, 2010. Rawlins stated at the press conference that he intends to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Orlando “within 3–5 years”, and intends to bring international matches to the city as well. Rawlins is President and majority owner of the club’s ownership group, Orlando Sports Holdings. Also in the group is Brendan Flood, a board member of English Championship club Burnley. Rawlins announced that the Aztex organization would remain intact in Orlando, with Adrian Heath being retained as manager and most of the team’s players returning as well.
Since then The Orlando City Soccer Club has made their reign very well known in Orlando. In 2011 they were the PSL Pro Champions and they also just clinched that title for 2012 this past Friday in a 4-0 win over the Charleston Battery!
2012 Champions!!!!!
I wish I could explain the energy that these games put off! It is so much fun!!! I have been to big sporting events (Everyone knows I love my Red Sox and Patriots), and for a home town game these fans know how to have FUN!!!! They have Drums, horns, confetti, and chants and it is infectious. Even if you don’t know the words to the chants, You have to jump and clap along!
There are a few different groups that frequent these games.
The Ruckus is the oldest of these groups, whose basis was formed in 2009 as the “Orlando Soccer Supporters Club” without an affiliation to any particular soccer team. They occupy section 119.
The “Iron Lion Firm“, which separated from The Ruckus prior to the start of City’s first season. They run section 121.
The “Orlando Natural Riddim Section” is a Trinidadian drum band that occupies section 109 and plays drums and other percussion instruments throughout home matches.
“Los Guerrilloz”, a Spanish-language barra brava, has formed recently and typically occupies section 128.
For both of the games we hung out in section 121 with the Iron Lion Firm, the ILF!
These Folks know how to have fun!
I got the opportunity to speak to one of the front members of the ILF names Ahmed and he filled me in on what the ILF is about!
Ahmed shared with me that The Iron Lion Firm was formed on March 5th, 2011 by 4 like minded individuals that love the game and culture of soccer and want the sport to flourish here in the states especially Orlando. The ILF are a independent supporters club of Orlando City Soccer Club, with that being said, they fund themselves from within the group for essential items that are crucial to their game day experience; Tailgate supplies, food, streamers, flags, smoke bombs, banners, scarfs and membership T-shirts.
The Iron Lion Firm are a group of culturally diverse individuals and we are a young demographic. Their age group ranges from 17-mid 30’s, but a bulk of the group are in their 20’s. They have about 120 members paying dues to date and that grows throughout the season. Being a paid member get’s you a Purple Iron Lion Firm T-shirt with the club crest on the front, discounts on other merchandise that they create throughout the year such as scarfs, and a discount at their home pub (R.S. Busby’s Orlando) where they host their meetings at. It’s pretty crazy how a group of 4 guys who love the game and want Major League Soccer here in the city beautiful can spread like wildfire just after the first season of being together.
The songs & chants are mostly created or donated by other members & translated into English. They have chants both in English & Spanish.
These games have to be some of the most fun things to do in Orlando. When you go you see flags from all over the world. You see fans of every ethnicity and every culture. You see kids getting into it, you see adults, you see grand parents, you see families having picnics in the stands, we even saw people on their first dates!
The games are held at the Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando. They have vendors selling the typical fair fare all around the entrance. Corn dogs, French fries, nachos and of course Beer! 🙂 They have Orlando City Soccer Merchandise trucks selling T-shirts and Scarves and Jerseys. Stickers and Posters and Balls OH My! And the best part is that the pricing for the games is SUPER affordable!
Pricing for all budgets!
The fact that the players have SO MUCH love for their fans is what has me hooked. They include local boys and girls as the ball kids for the games, the players walk on the field with kids from the local teams at the beginning of the games, and they are always out for pictures and autographs and to even kick the ball around with their fans after the games! The team wants their fans involved. They want people to scream and yell and get rowdy! We even heard from #12 Forward Matt Luzunaris that no matter where they play all over the world, The Orlando City team always has the best and loudest fans!!! Even at away matches. That says a lot! That makes me a proud Orlando Girl!
PLEASE Go see these boys in action! Take part in being a fan of Orlando, Soccer and this AMAZING team! Throw on your favorite Purple Shirt, or a red hat, grab a beverage and get ready for some fun!
