Orlando City To Play 2014 Season At ESPN Wide World Of Sports

Orlando City Soccer Club to Play 2014 Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

2014 season ticket holders guaranteed first choice of seats for 2015 season

Orlando City Soccer Club announced today that the team will play itshomes games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort during the 2014 season. For the Lions, who aim to finalize plans this year to start play in Major League Soccer (MLS), the complex will serve as a one-year temporary home during renovations of the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Lions’ primary home stadium.

Tickets for the 2014 season will go on sale immediately. Season ticket holders for 2014 receive first choice of seats for the 2015 season, which Orlando City expects to be its inaugural season in MLS.

“We hope our fans are as thrilled as we are to call ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex our home field for the 2014 season,” said Phil Rawlins, president of Orlando City Soccer Club. “With professional sporting event experience, premier soccer fields and world-class amenities, this facility will enable us to play all of our home games in one location and in a venue where our fans will be closer to our players than ever before. We look forward to next year’s possibilities before hopefully heading into MLS for the 2015 season.”

To enhance the experience for spectators, additional stadium seating is planned to surround all four sides of the soccer field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. With increased capacity of approximately 5,200, the stadium will be one of the largest soccer venues in Central Florida, expanding capacity foreven more fans to attend the Lion’s matches in 2014. Other amenities include free parking and a wide variety of food and beverage offerings.

“The team has really enjoyed playing on top-class, grass surface during Disney’s Pro-Soccer Classic for the past three years,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “We’re very excited and hope that our fans will enjoy every match in 2014 from beginning to end.”

The Orlando City games builds on the growing portfolio of professional and youth soccer events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as well as adds to the list of major pro sports events held in recent years at the complex, including the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, Atlanta Braves spring training, the Tampa Bay Bucs training camp, the NBA Pre-Draft Camp and Tampa Bay Rays regular-season games among other events.

ESPN Wide World of Sports

The Florida Citrus Bowl is expected to re-open in early 2015 after undergoing more than $200 million in renovations.

For more information on the Lions’ 2014 season, please check OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

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Orlando City SC Draw Against Charleston Battery

Orlando City SC Lions Score First, Hold Off Charleston in 1-1 Draw

Orlando City Soccer - Weekly Review

Orlando Takes Key Point Away From Home Despite Playing Man Down in Final 27 Minutes

Orlando City SC (10-2-4, 34 points) played to a 1-1 draw against the Charleston Battery (7-2-6, 27 points) at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., Friday night. After having a goal advantage early in the second half, the Lions went down a man – allowing a last-minute score to even the match at 1-1.

An unlucky challenge got the game off on the wrong foot for the Lions, with Winger Bryan Burke going off the pitch due to an apparent leg injury in the 8th minute of play. His status will be evaluated early next week.

Sporting Kansas City loanee and Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who was making his first start in league play in just under a month, made key saves for the Lions to keep the score line even early. One of those saves was in the 18th minute, with Battery Midfielder Michael Azira blasting a shot inside the 18-yard box only to be deflected out of danger by the Kansas native.

Orlando City Soccer Club

The goalkeeper continued to play at a high level throughout the first half, keeping Charleston scoreless despite multiple chances by the opponent’s frontline in the later part of the first half.

After the break, the Orlando offense turned up the heat-with the Lions capitalizing in the 56th minute of play. After earning a corner kick, Defender Luke Boden whipped in an attempt, finding Rob Valentino on the volley for the 1-0 advantage.

Despite the 1-0 lead, the Lions went down to 10 men after Midfielder Adama Mbengue was shown a straight red card with a challenge on the Battery in the 63rd minute of play. The man-down put Orlando at a disadvantage for the rest of the match, with Charleston capitalizing in the final minutes of regulation.

The Battery came on the offensive in the final parts of the match, attacking open spaces in the Orlando backline. The Charleston side knocked it even in the 89th minute, with Haviel Cordoves’ shot deflecting past Kempin to even the score line at 1-1. The Lions held off another late charge by the home team, taking a key point away from Orlando in the draw.

With the result, Orlando stretches their lead atop the league table over second-place Harrisburg City Islanders (31 points) by a full three points.

Orlando returns home for a rematch against the Battery on Thursday, July 11, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. For more information on the upcoming Charleston match, including ticket prices and more, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Orlando City Match Recap:

Team                      1    2    Final

Orlando City              0    1    1

Charleston Battery        0    1    1

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Rob Valentino (Luke Boden) 56th

CRL- Haviel Cordoves (unassisted) 89th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Jon Kempin, D Bryan Burke (Erik Ustruck 9’), Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, Renan Boufleur, M Jonathan Mendoza (Brian Fekete 77’), Anthony Pulis, Adama Mbengue, James O’Connor (Freddie Braun 46’), F Dennis Chin (Long Tan 77’), Jamie Watson (Christian Duke 45’)

Charleston Battery- GK Odisnel Cooper, D Mark Wiltse, Colin Falvey, Kenneth Ellison (Haviel Cordoves 73’), Emmanuel Adjetey, M Jarad Van Schaik (Bryce Alderson 69’), Quinton Griffith (Zachary Prince 81’), Nicholas Paterson, Michael Azira, F Jose Cuevas, Dane Kelley

Penalty Summary:

ORL- Adama Mbengue (Red) 63rd

CRL- Nicholas Paterson (Yellow) 81st

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 4,387

Orlando City Soccer

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 RECAP: Orlando Draws Charlotte 1-1

Orlando City Soccer

MATCH RECAP: Orlando Draws Charlotte 1-1,

Moves to Top of League Standings

Team                 1    2    Final

Orlando City         1    0    1

Charlotte Eagles     0    1    1

Scoring Summary:

Orlando- Dom Dwyer (Luke Boden) 8th

Charlotte- Nathan Thornton (unassisted) 90th

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City- GK Sean Kelley, D Yann Songo’o, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Rob Valentino, M Anthony Pulis, Freddie Braun, Kevin Molino, Jamie Watson, F Dom Dwyer, Long Tan (Jean Alexandre 61’)

Charlotte- GK Eric Reed, D Fejiro Okiomah, Tyler Newnam, Matthew Gold, Shaun Francis M Nathan Thornton, Sergio Villasenor (Mitchily Waul 41’), Stephen Okai (Christian Meda 27’), Juan Guzman, Samuel Asante, F Christian Ramirez  (Stefan Smith 79’)

Penalty Summary:

6’ Sergio Villasenor (Yellow)

26’ Fejiro Okiomah (Yellow)

40’ Freddie Braun (Yellow)

45’ Kevin Molino (Yellow)

45’ Samuel Asante (Yellow)

72’ Shaun Francis (Yellow)

73’ Tyler Newnam (Yellow)

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:00 p.m. EST

Weather: Clear

Orlando Draws Charlotte 1-1, Moves to Top of League Standings

Late Charlotte Goal in 90th Minute Equalizes Match, Lions Earn Point On The Road

Charlotte, N.C.— Orlando City (3-2-0, 10 points) drew the Charlotte Eagles (1-1-1, 4 points) 1-1 at the Queen Sports Complex in Charlotte, N.C. Tuesday night, moving the Lions to the top of the league standings 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.

The Lions jumped out to an early lead, with a well-placed corner from Winger Luke Boden finding an unmarked Dom Dwyer in the box for the header and goal in the 8th minute. Dwyer, who’s currently on loan from Orlando’s Major League Soccer affiliate Sporting Kansas City, whipped his conversion into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead. The goal was Dwyer’s third of the regular season, which ties him for team and league best with Midfielder Jamie Watson.

Orlando continued to create more chances in the first half, along with deterring the Eagles of any scoring opportunities of their own. The scoreline remained at 1-0 to close out the first 45 minutes of play, with a familiar face in goal helping the Lions’ defense keep the score sheet clean.

Orlando Goalkeeper Sean Kelley made his first start of the 2013 season with the Lions for a sidelined Miguel Gallardo and banged-up Jon Kempin. Kelley, who was signed prior to the start of the season, is familiar to Head Coach Adrian Heath’s system, playing for the Lions in 2011 and 2012 as backup to Gallardo.

The Lexington, Ky., native made key saves for the Lions in the first half, including a diving deflection in the 27th minute. Eagles’ Defender Shaun Francis rocketed a shot outside the 18’ yard only for Kelley to punch it out of danger while extending his arms and diving to his left.

Charlotte came out of halftime with a more active attack, putting pressure on the Orlando backline. After trying to breakthrough, Charlotte capitalized in the closing minutes of play. A long ball by an Eagle defender found Midfielder Nathan Thornton toward goal, with a costly defensive miscommunication, allowing him to weave around Kelley and easily slot home the equalizer in the 90th minute of play.

The Lions come back home this Saturday, April 27, to play the Dayton Dutch Lions at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Orlando is 2-0-4 (W-L-T) all-time against Dayton, who currently holds a 1-0-0 record through one game played in the young 2013 regular season. For more information on the Saturday’s match, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

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CFVRMA Supports Orlando City Soccer MLS Bid

Orlando City Soccer

Central Florida Vacation Rental Manager’s Association Supports Orlando City Soccer Club’s MLS Bid

ORLANDO, FLA.– Central Florida Vacation Rental Manager’s Association (CFVRMA), the largest group of vacation rental manager’s in the state of Florida, have endorsed Orlando City Soccer Club’s (OCSC) bid to become a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise.

 

Following the news that a site has been chosen for the new downtown multipurpose soccer stadium, CFVRMA has decided to throw its support behind the bid for MLS in Central Florida.  Wednesday, Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the $8.2 million site for the stadium as being the two blocks bordered by Central Boulevard, Church Street, Terry and Parramore Avenues. If the bid is successful, Orlando could be awarded a franchise by this December and play in MLS in 2015.

 

“ The vacation rental industry in Central Florida has largely flown under the radar for approximately two decades,” said CFVRMA Vice President Nigel Worrall. “In that time, the industry has grown to create over 33,000 local jobs and to bring an economic impact of over $1.7 Billion to the local economy, largely in Osceola and Polk counties.”

 

“We believe the time is right for Orlando to have another major league sporting team and we’d like to play a part in helping that bid,” Worrall continued. “Approximately $12 million dollars a year is created by the vacation home industry in tourist development taxes in Osceola County alone. Orange County, by comparison, collects just a small fraction of that from vacation rentals. We’d like to change that and help bring more dollars to the county. We believe we can contribute a similar amount to that collected in Osceola County if given the opportunity and that would undoubtedly help Orange County with future projects and planning.”
“We are proud to have the support of the CFVRMA,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “Tourism is important to our organization as we strive to bring a MLS franchise to Orlando by 2015.”
About Central Florida Vacation Manager’s Association:  The Central Florida Vacation Rental Managers Association was founded in 1998 to unite Central Florida vacation home management companies as a professional body, and to work together to promote the vacation rental industry, support compliance and serve and protect the interests of property owners and guests. Vacation rental managers are held to a code of ethics and membership must be approved by a majority of the board of directors. Members attend monthly meetings, which include educational training, networking opportunities and updates relevant to the vacation rental industry.

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MATCH PREVIEW: Lions Face Rowdies In Second Leg of I-4 Derby Saturday

Orlando City Soccer

Lions Face Rowdies In Second Leg Of I-4 Derby Saturday

Orlando looks for inaugural derby title in St. Petersburg at Al Lang Stadium

 

ORLANDO, Fla.—Orlando City squares off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the second leg of the I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer on Saturday, March 30, at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Lions won the first match in the derby series between the two on March 9 at the Florida Citrus Bowl, rallying to down the visiting Rowdies 3-2. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m.

“We know we missed a good amount of chances in the first game against Tampa,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “It’s going to be a competitive game down at a tight field down there (in St. Petersburg). I expect a great game.“

 

Orlando has met Tampa Bay twice in franchise history, with both meetings coming within the last month. The Lions first met the Rowdies in the conclusion of the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic, beating the 2012 NASL champions 2-0 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The two then clashed in the first leg of the I-4 Derby just two weeks later, with Orlando rallying to clinch the victory 3-2 over the visiting squad. If Orlando wins or draws in St. Petersburg on Saturday, the Lions will take home the title of champions in the first of what both sides hope to be an annual series.

The 2013 Orlando City roster has seen change since the last time they squared off against the Rowdies. As per the agreement between Orlando and their Major League Soccer affiliate Sporting Kansas City, four players have arrived on loan and are now competing for starting spots. Those players include Dom Dwyer, Jon Kempin, Christian Duke and Yann Songo’o. All four have seen playing time in two collegiate friendlies since their arrival, making Saturday’s match even more crucial for each player as the 2013 USL PRO season starts at the beginning of April.

 

“Basically everybody is trying to get themselves into pole position before the start of the season,” Heath added.

The Lions play their last collegiate friendly of the 2013 preseason Monday, March 25, against the University of Tampa at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Orlando has remained undefeated in the collegiate series in 2013, topping college teams from Stetson, Rollins, FIU and FGCU. Admission is free and kickoff is set for 7 p.m. For more information about the collegiate friendly against Tampa and Saturday’s game at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

 

Training Times:

Monday          Tuesday         Wednesday                Thursday       Friday

Off                    Off                     10-1130**                 10-1130**     10-1130**

 

*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 Club Announces Ticket Prices For A.S. Roma Match

OrlandoCitySocer

ORLANDO CITY SOCCER ANNOUNCES TICKET PRICES FOR A.S. ROMA MATCH

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Orlando City Soccer Foundation

At last week’s Fan Forum, Orlando City SC announced a highly anticipated friendly against Italian club A.S. Roma on January 2, allowing fans to experience top-flight soccer during the off-season.  The match will be held at the Cahill Sandspur Field and the Barker Family Stadium at Rollins College at 1000 Holt Avenue in Winter Park, with a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

Today, the Lions announced tickets on sale, with prices ranging from $10 to $25, available solely on OrlandoCitySoccer.com.  Seating is extremely limited, and fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.  100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the Orlando City Soccer Foundation.

“We are extremely proud to use this match as a platform to raise funds to benefit children in our community and further the sport of soccer, “ said Kay Rawlins, Director of Community Relations.

The Orlando City Soccer Foundation has recently held a series of soccer clinics with the New Image Youth Center on Parramore, also donating indestructible soccer balls to the children.

Roma announced a deal with ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex earlier in the year, making Central Florida their official winter training home. Team leaders also confirmed that the three-time Serie A champions will be bringing their “A” squad to Florida, making for an exciting matchup in Winter Park.

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 Head Coach To Stay!

 

ORLANDO CITY HEAD COACH ADRIAN HEATH SIGNS NEW CONTRACT

Deal comes amidst strong push from MLS clubs to hire the Orlando City manager

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) today announced that Head Coach Adrian Heath has signed a new three-year contract that will keep Heath with the organization through October 2015.  Heath has been a target for several MLS teams after completing another successful season, but Orlando City management worked hard to retain Heath as head coach of the Lions.

 

“We are thrilled that Adrian has signed a new contract with us.” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “When you have a coach of Adrian’s ability and track-record, he is bound to attract attention from other clubs. It’s no secret that several MLS clubs have enquired about Adrian but we have been fighting hard over the past few months to keep him as our coach. We believe in his style of play, his philosophy and his leadership of the players. We want to keep Adrian at the helm as we make our own push to bring Major League Soccer here in Central Florida.”

 

 

Heath has been with Orlando since they began operations in late 2010, leading the Lions to records of 15-3-6 in 2011 and 17-1-6 in 2012 during regular season play. In just two seasons with City, Heath has led the Lions to two regular season championships and one postseason title.

 

“I want to thank the club for their support and belief in me,” said Heath. “I am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement on a new contract.

 

The former Everton star is also a key component of Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS), leading the youth club in a new style of play and direction in their first season under direction of OCSC.

 

“I am looking forward to building on the two regular season titles we have already won and in playing my part in helping Orlando achieve its goal of MLS.  I also want to thank the fans for all support over the past two years, they have been terrific!” said Heath.

 

 

 

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 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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