Orlando City SC Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City SC Announces

Preseason Friendly Series

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Lions to play Chicago Fire on Feb. 11 at IMG Academy in Bradenton; college friendly series part of 2014 preseason

Orlando City SC announced Wednesday the club’s 2014 preseason schedule, featuring a match against Major League Soccer (MLS) Chicago Fire on Tuesday, February 11 at IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. A series of collegiate friendlies across Central Florida will also take place, leading up to the 2014 USL PRO season.

The collegiate section of the schedule includes matches against Florida International University, Stetson University, Rollins College and the University of South Florida. Fans are welcome to attend friendlies throughout the preseason.

Orlando City will also be participating in the annual Disney Pro Soccer Classic held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Pro Soccer Classic begins on Wednesday, February 19, and runs through Saturday, March 1.  The Lions will face such prominent MLS sides as the Philadelphia Union (February 19), Toronto FC (February 22) and the Columbus Crew (February 26).

Season ticket holders will be able to claim a special discount for all Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches by calling (855) ORL-CITY. 2014 season tickets are still available to the general public but are going fast. Fans can call the same number for more information.

Orlando City SC Friendlies Schedule:

Date Time Opponent Admission Parking Location
February 11 7 p.m. Chicago Fire (MLS) Starts at $9 for children, and $13 for adults Available around soccer facility 5500 34th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34210
February 19 6 p.m. Philadelphia Union (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 22 8 p.m. Toronto FC (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
February 26 6 p.m. Columbus Crew (MLS)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 1 TBD TBD (PSC Championship Game)* Single session tickets start at $20* Available at ESPN Wide World of Sports 700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
March 8 3 p.m. FIU Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
March 12 7 p.m. Stetson Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
March 15 7 p.m. Rollins Free Available at Seminole Soccer Complex 1900 Seminole Soccer Loop
Sanford, FL 32771
April 1 7 p.m. @USF  (Corbett Soccer Stadium) TBD Available around Corbett Soccer Stadium Elm Dr, Tampa, FL 33617

*= Disney Pro Soccer Classic

**=Single session guarantees entry into two Disney Pro Soccer Classic matches

Orlando City SC

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. 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.OrlandoCitySoccer.com and www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

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Orlando City SC Defeats Charleston Battery

Orlando City
Photos: Allison Petro/Alex Schieholtz

Watson Scores Brace, Lions Top Battery 2-1 Thursday Night

Club breaks mid-week attendance record with 8,729 fans at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando City SC (10-2-4, 37 points) downed the visiting Charleston Battery (7-3-6, 27 points) 2-1 Thursday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl in front of a club mid-week record crowd of 8,729 fans. Jamie Watson scored a goal in each of the halves to propel the Lions to a crucial home win in USL PRO play, moving Orlando further ahead in the league table.

Orlando City
Photos: Allison Petro/Alex Schieholtz

“It’s a huge relief to get this tonight,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “After losing players and a few past results it was important to get three points.”

The Lions fielded a starting lineup that featured all four Sporting loanees, including Defender Kevin Ellis and Forward C.J. Sapong- who arrived in Central Florida earlier in the afternoon.

Orlando City
Photos: Allison Petro/Alex Schieholtz

The early parts of the first 45 minutes were a back and forth affair between the two sides, with Orlando attacking in pockets behind Sapong and team-leading scorer Jamie Watson. Those pockets continued to open up, with the Lions capitalizing on a well-played series in the 29th minute.

After a Charleston attack, Defender Rob Valentino began the series by clearing out the Battery offensive, finding loanee and 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year Sapong at the mid stripe. The striker then nodded the pass to fellow Sporting KC player Christian Duke, who played a through ball to a charging Watson. Watson then slotted his attempt in the lower right-hand corner past Battery Goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper for the 1-0 advantage. 

Orlando City
Photos: Allison Petro/Alex Schieholtz

The second half began with Charleston on the offensive, with the Lions backline clearing out multiple early chances by the South Carolina based side. Charleston equalized in the 55th minute, with a Jose Cuevas goal putting the match at 1-1. Battery Forward Dane Kelley set up the strike, finding Cuevas in open space inside the 18-yard box for the goal.

The Lions’ pace picked up after allowing the score, controlling possession while creating more opportunities as the second half progressed. Sapong created Orlando’s next scoring chance, with the striker getting tripped up while making a run just inside the penalty area- awarding the Lions a penalty kick. Watson took the attempt, converting past Cooper, despite the goalkeeper guessing correctly to give Orlando the 2-1 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes of the match.

Orlando City
Photos: Allison Petro/Alex Schieholtz

Despite some late chances by the visiting side, Orlando held strong while keeping the scoreline at 2-1- gaining three valuable points at home with the win.

Orlando takes to the road for their next two matches, playing away at the Dayton Dutch Lions and Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Sunday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 17, respectively. Dayton currently stands in 7th in the USL PRO table with a record of 7-4-5 (26 points) while Pittsburgh is three spots behind in 10th with a mark of 5-6-6 (17 points). Orlando has taken on Dayton once in 2013, topping the visiting Dutch Lions 4-0 back on April 27. The Lions and Riverhounds have yet to face this season.

Both matches will be streamed live on USLNation.com, with Sunday’s match kicking off at 6:30 p.m. EST. For more information on the upcoming away matches and Orlando’s next home game on Saturday, July 20, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Orlando City Match Recap:

Team                      1   2    Final

Orlando City              1   1    2

Charleston Battery        1   0    1

Scoring Summary:

ORLJamie Watson (Christian Duke) 29th

CHB-Jose Cuevas (Dane Kelley) 55th

ORL-Jamie Watson (penalty) 70th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Jon Kempin, D Luke Boden, Renan Boufleur, Rob Valentino, Kevin Ellis, M James O’Connor, Christian Duke, Freddie Braun (Jonathan Mendoza 55), F Long Tan (Dennis Chin 62’), Jamie Watson (Erik Ustruck 84’), C.J. Sapong

Charleston Battery- GK Odisnel Cooper, D Emmanuel Adjetey, Colin Falvey, Kenneth Ellison (Taylor Mueller 83’), John Wilson, M Jarad van Shaik (Haviel Cordoves 75’), Nicholas Patterson, Michael Azira, F Jose Cuevas (Bryce Alderson 71’), Quinton Griffith, Dane Kelley

Penalty Summary:

CHB– Kenneth Ellison (Yellow) 25th

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Overcast

Attendance: 8,729

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 pream 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 OrlandoCitySoccer.com and OrlandoCityYouth.org.

 

 

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Rescheduled Match Set for Wednesday, August 7

Orlando City Soccer

Rescheduled Match Set for Wednesday, August 7

Orlando City to Honor Tickets From Cancelled Match vs. VSI Tampa Bay FC

ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando City SC, in coordination with VSI Tampa Bay FC, USL PRO and the City of Orlando, announced Friday that the rescheduled match from Tuesday night will be played on Wednesday, August 7, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff for the match will be at 7:30 p.m.

The news comes after Orlando announced it will honor all tickets from Tuesday night’s game for the re-match on August 7. Fans can use the tickets from the cancelled match on April 30th to gain entry into the rescheduled game.

The City of Orlando owned and controlled parking lots will also honor its parking stubs from the 4/30 match against VSI Tampa Bay with the rescheduled game. Fans are required to present their stubs and bring it with them to the rescheduled game against VSI Tampa Bay. Stubs will not be counted for other Orlando City regular season matches and friendlies in 2013.

After an hour delay Tuesday night, team and league officials called the game just before 8:30 p.m. due to an incoming severe weather system that would not allow play to occur. Orlando is currently 4-1-1 (13 points) through six games played in the 2013 USL PRO regular season, good for first place in the league table.

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 Completes Homestand Saturday vs. Antigua

Orlando City Soccer

 

 

First match against Antigua Barracuda FC in 2013 this Saturday in Orlando

Orlando, Fla.— Orlando City (4-1-1, 13 points) hosts Antigua Barracuda FC (0-3-0, 0 points) this Saturday, May 4, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. After Tuesday night’s match was cancelled due to severe weather, Orlando looks toward Saturday as the Lions wrap up their first homestand of the 2013 USL PRO regular season.

Orlando is currently undefeated at home through the beginning of the 2013 USL PRO season, winning all three of their matches played in Central Florida. The Lions have an impressive goal differential of +7 in the three home matches played, scoring 10 goals while only allowing three.

The Antigua match also marks the beginning of matches in the month of May for the Lions, who travel to play the Seattle Sounders Reserves on Sunday, May 12, to kick off a three-game road swing that lasts the majority of the month of May. The Sounders Reserves match is the first of two for Orlando against the Reserve League side, with the game counting in each team’s respective league tables.

The match between Orlando City SC and VSI Tampa Bay FC was cancelled due to severe weather just before 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night. After an hour delay, team and league officials called the game due to an incoming severe weather system that would not allow play to occur. The match will be rescheduled at a future date, which is currently to be determined.

 

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Orlando City Faces Dayton at Home Saturday Night at 7:30 p.m.

Orlando City Soccer

Lions on 20-game home unbeaten streak during regular season play

Orlando, Fla.— After earning a point on the road in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday night, Orlando (3-1-1, 10 points) comes back to Central Florida for a three-game homestand starting this Saturday night against the Dayton Dutch Lions (1-0-0, 3 points) at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. as the Lions look to extend their 20-game home unbeaten streak in USL PRO regular season play at the Citrus Bowl.

The Lions drew against the Charlotte Eagles late Tuesday night, moving Orlando up to top spot in league standings with 10 points through five games played. A goal by Dom Dwyer in the 8th minute put Orlando up early, only for a late equalizer by Eagles’ Midfielder Nathan Thornton in the 90th minute allowing Charlotte to grab the tie and win from the Lions.

Orlando topped the visiting LA Blues 3-2 in front of a regular-season record crowd of 9,140 in their last home match at Fifth Third Bank Field. Midfielder Jamie Watson, who was named the USL PRO player of the Week Tuesday, was involved with all three goals as Orlando avenged their only loss of the young season.

Orlando is 2-0-4 all-time against Dayton, who plays their second match of the season on Friday in Plant City, Fla., against expansion VSI Tampa Bay. The team is coached by Patrick Bal with Gibson Bardsley and Remco Klaasse leading the team in scoring with one goal a piece. Their lone win came against Pittsburgh on April 20, topping the Riverhounds 2-1.

The Lions then continue their homestand this Tuesday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. against fellow Florida side VSI Tampa Bay. Pregame festivities including a concert by local band Posterra. For more information on this week’s upcoming matches, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

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 Adds Bryan Burke

OrlandoCitySocer

Orlando City Adds Bryan Burke

2011 USL PDL Finals MVP Joins Lions Backline for 2013 

Orlando City has signed Defender Bryan Burke to the pro team roster. The Newport Beach, Calif., native was a part of the LA Blues last season, leading the team in minutes played (1,867) and tied for the team-lead in games played (23) after moving up from the PDL one year ago. Burke will wear No. 7 for the Lions.

“Bryan is by far the best player we played against all last year,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “When we get the opportunity to take a player like that then we have to sign him. He’s a great athlete and we’re delighted to pick him up.”

Burke got his start with Orange County Blue Star of the USL Premier Development League (PDL).  Playing from 2007-10, Burke appeared 29 times for Orange County, scoring four goals. In 2011, Burke joined the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL, leading them to the 2011 PDL Championship. Burke’s assist led to the game-winning goal in the 11th minute of the championship match, earning himself MVP honors in the 1-0 win over the Laredo Heat.

The signing, which was originally announced at the club’s fan forum in early December, adds to the already impressive Orlando City backline that boasts 2011 USL PRO Defender of the Year Rob Valentino and winger Luke Boden. The backline, which allowed a league-low 18 goals last season, is something Heath says will be key to repeat for a third championship in 2013.

“The way that we play, we see adding Burke as a strong point,“ said Heath. “He’s very good at going down the right hand side and will be a great asset for our attacking half.”

The club is looking to add four to five more players heading up until the regular season starts, with many players on last season’s championship squad now free agents, including Kyle Davies, Erik Ustruck and 2012 USL PRO player of the year Kevin Molino. Stay tuned to all roster updates by going to OrlandoCitySoccer.com through the entire 2013 preseason.

Acquisition: Orlando City (USLPRO) signs Bryan Burke

Pro Experience: 1 year

Last Club: Los Angeles Blues

 

Birthday: 1/3/89

 

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 – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer To Visit Livestrong Sporting Park

Orlando City Soccer
Orlando City Soccer

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.

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Orlando City Soccer Club Plays Their First Playoff Game of the Season August 31st!

Orlando City Soccer Club Plays Their First Playoff Game of the Season August 31st!

Orlando City Soccer Club
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!

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Why We Are All Orlando City Soccer Club 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 Titans National 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!
The Orlando City Soccer Club has play off games coming up and as of right now they only home game listed on their Website is the game on August 17, 2012 against The Dayton Dutch Lions at 7:30pm.
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!
I want to throw out a huge thanks to Chris Jones who is the Media Relations Coordinator for Orlando City  for hosting our blog at the games and always answering our newbie questions and encouraging us to cheer loudly!
Also a MAJOR Thanks out to Ahmed of the Iron Lion Firm for answering our questions and letting us join in the fun!!!
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Busch Gardens photo tour 4/7/12

Every once in a while it is nice to sit back and just let the pictures speak for themselves. I can attest there are times when I am a bit longwinded and tend to get distracted (ooh squirrel). I’m going to try to introduce photo tours into my blog posts much like I did for my previous post on Disney’s Pop Century Resort. For those who don’t know, I work in Tampa and live south of there by a good 45 minutes. As often as I can, I try to take the opportunity to visit Busch Gardens since it is less than fifteen minutes from my office. This past weekend was gorgeous, so I decided to head over to the park on Saturday after I got out of work.

Since it was a kind of warm afternoon I noticed quite a few of the animals napping, which was not something I had seen on my previous few visits. I also couldn’t help myself in noticing several of the animals were mooning me while I tried to take their pictures. 😉

On this day I experienced two new attractions: Tut’s Tomb and Iceploration. The former is a recreation of King Tut’s Tomb that was discovered in Egypt in the early 1900s. This was a really neat area to explore that I had never even noticed before. I was very grateful that it wasn’t a very confined space, which I was a little worried about since I am claustrophobic. Iceploration is a relatively new show that takes place in the Moroccan Palace Theatre. The premise is that a young boy who doesn’t like to play outside and is very much into electronics is forced to travel around the globe with his grandfather exploring areas such as an African savanna, the Great Barrier Reef, the Arctic and a Rainforest. It is a unique presentation with performers dressed as different animals ice skating throughout the different scenes. There are also live animals (warning: birds fly into the audience!!!) that come on stage in the different scenes from birds to cats and dogs. You can even meet one of the huskies after the show and have a picture taken with it. It was an enjoyable show with a variety of entertainment styles from dance to ice skating, animal entertainment, all while telling the story of exploration across the globe. For you Disney folks think of it as Festival of the Lion Kings combined with Finding Nemo the Musical and the old Tarzan Rocks show at the Animal Kingdom (minus the recognizable songs and characters). They even have their own version of the tumble monkeys!

So I present to you some pictures I took at Busch Gardens this past weekend and invite you to join along for this photo tour. Enjoy!

 

 

All in all I spent a few hours in the park and was able to enjoy a few new things along with some of my favorites. I can always go to the park and just enjoy myself by walking around and watching the animals. It was especially nice to see the baby joeys and to see the cheetahs as close as I did. There seemed to be even more beautiful flowers than on my last few visits. Spring is in bloom. Have you been to Busch Gardens recently? What are some of your favorites? Is there anything you’d like to see on another photo tour? If so, please leave us a note in the comments or feel free to email me at Betsy@onthegoinmco.com.

If you enjoyed these pictures, check out my previous blog post here on the animals of the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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Daddy’s Movie Day Is Back With Disneynature’s African Cats

 

Generally when new movies come in for review, it means a light hearted night on the couch with my daughter and a bowl of popcorn.  When Disneynature’s African Cats came, the situation was a little different.  Unlike most movies we watch, African Cats depicts real creatures in their life and death struggles as they survive and care for their young in a harsh environment.

African Cats takes viewers deep into the breathtaking African savanna to witness the heart-stopping rivalry between two lion prides and the epic journey of one brave cheetah family.  Shot over the course of two and a half years using state-of-the-art camera equipment, African Cats captures the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the wildest places on Earth as it tells the dramatic and often intimate stories of Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion clan.

Although the documentary depicts these very real conflicts between rival animals, Disney does a very good job making them friendly and very accessible to children.  They provide a wealth of opportunities to acquaint younger viewers with these animals in a realistic manner, while leaving room for discussion and growth.

An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, African Cats captures the real-life love, humor and determinations of these majestic kings of the savanna in an exciting, heartwarming and visually stunning tale that is sure to engage children and adults alike.  The film is narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson and directed by Alastair Fothergill (Disneynature EARTH) and Keith Scholey.

In addition to the film, the discs include an incredible array of bonus features that take viewers deeper into the savanna through extensive interactive behind-the-scenes footage including filmmaker and conservationist interviews, an incredibly touching music video featuring Jordin Sparks singing “The World I Knew,” plus a look at the global efforts to which The Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund contributes.

 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTVk5cmhQxk

 

 

 

Bonus Features

 

 

DVD:

  • Disney & Nature – Viewers get a deeper look into the conservation efforts around the world being sponsored by The Walt Disney Company.
  • Save The Savanna – A comprehensive look at Disney’s “See African Cats, Save the Savanna” program and its impact on the region.

BLU-RAY
Everything on the DVD, plus…

  • Filmmaker Annotations – This interactive in-movie feature is a viewing mode with 12 different segments that allows consumers to watch behind-the-seans footage of the productions process and hear stories from the fimmakers and conservationists who spent several years making the film.
  • Jordin Sparks “The World I Knew” Music Video

MOVIE DOWNLOAD
Everything on the DVD, plus…

  • Introduction To Masai Mara – a segment from the Flimmakers Annotations Blu-ray feature
  • Filming The Cats – a segment from the Flimmakers Annotations Blu-ray feature
  • Sophie’s Elephants – a segment from the Flimmakers Annotations Blu-ray feature
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