Orlando City Takes on Seattle Sounders Reserves Sunday Night

Orlando City first match against MLS Reserve League

squad this Sunday in Tacoma, Washington

After capping off a 7-2 victory Saturday night, Orlando 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.

Rescheduled Match Set for Wednesday, August 7

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.

Orlando City Completes Homestand Saturday vs. Antigua

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.

Orlando City Match Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Orlando City Match Cancelled Due to Severe Weather

Rescheduled match against VSI Tampa Bay TBD

ORLANDO, Fla.—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 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. 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.

Tickets for tonight’s match will be valid for the rescheduled game. For more information on tickets, fans can call 855-ORL-CITY.

The Lions now turn their attention toward Saturday, May 4, against Antigua Barracuda FC. The Barracudas are currently 0-3-0 through three games in 2013. The Lions are 5-1-0 all-time against Antigua, with their only loss coming at home in 2011, the last time Orlando has lost at home in the regular season.

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

Orlando City Lions Travel To North Carolina

Orlando City Travels To North Carolina For Tuesday Night Matchup

Orlando plays the Charlotte Eagles Tuesday night at 7 p.m. EST

Orlando, Fla.— After winning back-to-back home games, Orlando City (3-1-0, 9 points) goes back on the road to face the Charlotte Eagles (1-0-1, 4 points) at Queens University Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. Tuesday night.

“We had a great turnout (Friday night) and we have to go out and win on Tuesday,“ said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The league is a lot tougher this year and we have to put together a full 90 minutes each game we play.”

The Lions topped the visiting LA Blues 3-2 in front of a regular-season record crowd of 9,140 Friday night at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Midfielder Jamie Watson was involved with all three goals as Orlando avenged their only loss of the young season. The Lions now sit atop the league table through four games played tied with LA, who have a game in-hand on Orlando.

Orlando is 3-0-1 all-time against the Eagles, who have yet to allow a goal through two games played. The Eagles are led by Head Coach Mark Steffens, who’s currently in his 17^th year of the position with Charlotte. Forward Christian Ramirez and Midfielder Nathan Thornton both lead the Eagles in scoring with one goal a piece. Tuesday night’s game will be live streamed on USLNation.com.

The Lions then return home for a game on Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Pregame festivities including a concert by local band Built To Be Broken. For more information on this week’s upcoming matches, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

CFVRMA Supports Orlando City Soccer MLS Bid

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.

Orlando City Faces LA Blues Today!

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 19^th, 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.

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 13^th 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.

But as the rain continued and thunderclouds began to roll in, the match was postponed due to severe weather in the area in the 21^st 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 37^th 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 47^th 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 62^nd minute, cleaning up a loose ball in the Rhinos’ box for the 3-0 advantage. Rochester scored in the 90^th 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 continues home play this Friday, April 19^th, 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 80^th 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.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando Signs Former Goalkeeper Kelley, Gallardo Out 4-6 Weeks

Orlando Signs Former Goalkeeper Kelley, Gallardo Out 4-6 Weeks

Team adds familiar face as team captain out with injury

ORLANDO—Orlando City SC announced Wednesday that the team has signed former backup Goalkeeper Sean Kelley, pending USSF approval. The move comes as starting Goalkeeper and Team Captain Miguel Gallardo sustained a knee injury in training and will be out 4-6 weeks. The team begins the 2013 USL PRO season away against expansion franchise Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7 with kickoff set for 10:30 p.m. EST.

“We hope Miguel has a speedy recovery,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “But we are lucky to have Sean with us. He’s been with us and knows the team. It’s a great opportunity for him and it’s good to have him back.“

Kelley is familiar to Heath’s system, signing with the team in 2010 in Austin, Texas, and moving with the franchise to Orlando in 2011. The backup famously came in for Gallardo in the 2011 USL PRO Championship game, making key saves in the penalty shootout against the Harrisburg City Islanders to help secure the league championship. The Kentucky native appeared in four matches for the Lions in 2012, recording an 0.571 Goals Against Average (GAA) and two shutouts.

Kelley, along with new Sporting Kansas City loanee Jon Kempin, will have to fill in for the injured Gallardo for the beginning of the 2013 USL PRO season. Gallardo appeared in 21 games for the Lions in 2012, leading the league is GAA (.780) while recording eight clean sheets. The 2011 USL PRO Goalkeeper of the Year holds the record for clean sheets in a season with 11 in 2011.

Acquisition: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) Signs Goalkeeper Sean Kelley

Birthday: 04/15/1988

Height: 6’5”

College: George Mason

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

Orlando City SC Announces MetroPCS Concert Series

Orlando City SC Announces MetroPCS Concert Series

Local bands to play in concert series before home matches in 2013

ORLANDO, Fla.—Orlando City, in cooperation with corporate partner MetroPCS, announced the 2013 MetroPCS Concert Series on Wednesday. The concert series, which will feature local bands from the Central Florida area before each home match in 2013 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl, adds to the already exciting gameday atmosphere at Orlando City matches as the club heads into its third year of operation.

“This is our second season partnering with OCSC as the exclusive wireless provider and we appreciate their efforts in delivering our message to the Central Florida community,” said Chandra Waters, director of Advertising and Public Relations at MetroPCS. “In return, we are proud to support them on their journey toward joining Major League Soccer (MLS), as well as introduce fans to the wide range of local music talent.”

Concerts will commence one hour prior to kickoff in the MetroPCS fan zone, encouraging fans to come and experience the in-stadium atmosphere before the opening whistle blows. The band lineup, brought to you by WJRR, for the first half of the season is below. The second half will be announced at a later date. This year’s fan zone will be the franchise’s busiest, with more booths, sponsors and activities than ever before.

“The fans of OCSC are in for a real treat this season with the addition of the Concert Series during pre-game festivities,” continued Waters. “From the moment they enter the stadium, there will be a palpable feel of excitement! There will be something for everyone and we are proud to be the exclusive sponsor of the Concert Series, which will bring in some of the most talented local artists in Central Florida.”

The concert series begins with Dropa Stone at the Lions home opener on Sunday, April 14, at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The band plays a rock-based style of music with blues, funk and reggae influences. The Concert Series will take place in the concourse area of the stadium and fans are encouraged to come early and enjoy the music before each match.

Lineup of bands through 6/29/13:

4/14/2013	Rochester Rhinos	Dropa Stone
4/19/2013	Los Angeles Blues	The Crazy Carls
4/27/2013	Dayton Dutch Lions	B2BB
4/30/2013	VSI Tampa Bay	Postera
5/4/2013	Antigua Barracuda	Leaving Haven
5/25/2013	Wilmington Hammerheads	To Be Determined*
6/7/2013	Phoenix FC Wolves	Empire Theory
6/9/2013	Antigua Barracuda	Savi Fernandez
6/22/2013	Fluminise	Latin Band
6/29/2013	Richmond Kickers	A Brilliant Lie

For more information on the concert series, visit orlandocitysoccer.com.

*Band for 5/25 match to be determined at a later date.

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

MATCH PREVIEW: Lions Kick Off Regular Season On The Road Sunday

Lions Kick Off Regular Season On The Road Sunday

Orlando Starts 2013 USL PRO Season Against Expansion Club Phoenix FC in Arizona Sunday night

Orlando, Fla.— Orlando City kicks off the 2013 USL PRO on the road Sunday, April 7, in Phoenix against expansion club Phoenix FC at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. Kickoff for the game is set for 10:30 p.m. EST as the Lions look to capture their third straight USL PRO regular season title.

“We’ve had a great preseason and I think we’ve gotten progressively better, ” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath after Orlando’s win in St. Petersburg over the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night. “We’re looking forward to having another bit season.”

The Lions begin the regular season with a head of steam after concluding the 2013 preseason, which wrapped up Saturday night as Orlando captured the I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer against 2012 NASL Champion Tampa Bay Rowdies in St. Petersburg. Orlando scored late to secure the 3-2 win over the Rowdies and 6-4 aggregate overall. Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue and Dom Dwyer all score for the Lions in the win in front of hundreds of City supporters who made the trip down I-4.

Sunday’s opponent, Phoenix FC, is one of two expansion franchises for the 2013 USL PRO season. Phoenix was announced as USL franchise on July 2 of 2012 and is led by Head Coach David Robertson. Robertson played in over 220 first team games for Scotland’s Aberdeen, helping his squad win the Scottish League Cup in 1989 and the Scottish Cup in 1990.

His club defeated fellow expansion side and cross-state VSI Tampa Saturday night 1-0, with Phoenix’s Netinho scoring the only goal of the game, and the first in the club’s history in the Wolves’ first win. Overall the club is 1-1-0 (W-L-T), falling to the LA Blues in the USL PRO opener back on March 23.

For more leading up to Sunday’s game, please visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Training Times:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Off 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.

MATCH RECAP: Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Team 1 2 Final (Aggregate)

Orlando City 2 1 3 (6)

Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 1 2 (4)

Scoring Summary:

ORL- Kevin Molino (Adama Mbengue) 5^th

ORL-Adama Mbengue (unassisted) 32^nd

TB- Takuya Yamade (penalty) 41^st

TB- Amani Walker (unassisted) 52^nd

ORL-Dom Dwyer (unassisted) 90th

Lineups:

Orlando City- GK: Jon Kempin, D Bryan Burke, Yann Songo’o, Rob Valentino, Luke Boden, M James O’Connor, Christian Duke, Kevin Molino, Adama Mbengue F Jamie Watson (Dennis Chin 73’), Dom Dwyer

Tampa Bay– GK Andrew Fontein, D Frankie Sanfilippo, Takuya Yamada, Daniel Scott Raphael Cox, M Evans Frimpong, Luke Mullholland, Stuart Campbell, Devin Del Do, F Georgi Hristov, Amani Walker

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m.

Weather: Clear

Orlando Captures Inaugural I-4 Derby Title Over Tampa Bay Rowdies

Lions win 6-4 on aggregate, capturing inaugural I-4 Derby Championship in St. Petersburg

Orlando, Fla.— Orlando City SC took down the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 Saturday night at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., capturing the inaugural I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer on aggregate 6-4. More than 150 Orlando City supporters travelled to see the Lions hoist the I-4 trophy, which wraps up the 2013 preseason for the Lions.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I’m pleased for our players as they worked really hard tonight, and I’m really pleased for the supporters as they’ve been unbelievable. This one is for them.“

The Lions didn’t take very long to get on the scoreboard, with a well placed through ball by Midfielder Adama Mbengue to a charging Kevin Molino giving Orlando the early advantage. The 2012 USL PRO MVP found the pass in stride right outside the 18-yard box from Mbengue, rounding Rowdies Goalkeeper Andrew Fontein in the 5^th minute to put the Lions up 1-0.

Orlando kept pushing on the attack, with it paying off in the 32^nd minute. Forward and Sporting loanee Dom Dwyer blasted a shot that was deflected by Tampa’s Fontein, only for Mbengue to put in the follow up – giving Orlando the two goal advantage.

Tampa responded just before halftime, with a penalty kick conversion by Defender Tayuka Yamada in the 41^st cutting down the Lions’ lead to one. Defender Rob Valentino entangled with a Tampa striker inside the Orlando18-yard box, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot immediately after both fell from the collision. Yamada slid it by Goalkeeper Jon Kempin, who made his first start for Orlando since being loaned from affiliate Sporting Kansas City, to give the Rowdies some hope before half.

Tampa kicked off the second half with another score, this time from Forward Amani Walker. The striker received a well-placed chip from a Rowdies midfielder, placing it past Kempin to tie the match at 2-2 in the 50^th minute.

After the Rowdies quick two scores, Orlando’s defense tightened in the later part of the second half, not allowing Tampa to gain solid footing on the offensive side of the ball. A late goal by Dwyer secured the win and championship for Orlando, slotting the ball from 18 yards out in the 90^th minute to give Orlando the 3-2 advantage and 6-4 on aggregate.

Orlando now turns their attention to the 2013 USL PRO regular season, with the Lions traveling to Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University to face expansion side Phoenix FC on Sunday, April 7. The match will be streamed on UNation. For more information leading up to the regular season opener in Phoenix, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Photo Credit: Matt May/Tampa Bay Rowdies, Austin Hittel/Orlando City SC

About Orlando City Soccer Club:

City Re-Signs League MVP Kevin Molino

City Re-Signs League MVP Kevin Molino

Molino joins squad one month before home opener on April 14 at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl

Orlando, Fla.–Orlando City announced Wednesday the re-signing of 2012 USL PRO MVP Kevin Molino, pending USSF approval. The signing comes just over a month before Orlando’s regular-season home opener on April 14^th against the Rochester Rhinos, solidifying the squad as the Lions continue their 2013 preseason throughout the month of March.

“There’s no place better than home, so to speak,” said Molino. “This is the first place I played outside of Trinidad and I look forward to scoring more goals and hopefully winning MVP honors in 2013.”

Kevin Molino rejoins the Lions after an outstanding season on the field for Orlando. The Trinidad and Tobago international star claimed the 2012 USL PRO MVP honors after completing a year that saw Molino lead Orlando to a 50-goal season, an average of more than two per game. He finished the season with seven assists and three goals, but more importantly stretched opponent’s defenses to create more opportunities for the Lions frontline.

The midfielder began his career in Trinidad and Tobago, with the 22 year old representing his national team a total of 13 times in his young career. A key figure for Orlando since the team’s beginning in 2011, Molino has totaled more than 2,000 minutes in 44 games played for City over the span of two regular seasons. Molino tested the free agency waters over the 2013 preseason, spending time in Europe with PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands and Zulte Waregem of Belgium along with scoring a goal for Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Cup against the Dominican Republic on December 11.

The winger will immediately add to the already strong 2013 Orlando City side that Heath has called “his best team yet” in Orlando. On top of the Molino signing, the Lions have added Jean Alexandre, Bryan Burke, Freddie Braun, Brian Fekete and Jonathan Mendoza all within the last month, bringing the roster to a total of 18. Orlando is also expecting to bring on four Sporting Kansas City (MLS) players before the 2013 season start as per an agreement between the two clubs reached earlier in the year.

Acquisition: Orlando City (USLPRO) signs Kevin Molino

Orlando City Completes Comeback Against Tampa Bay

Down 1-0 at half, Lions scored three unanswered to take home the win

Despite being down a goal at halftime, Orlando City rallied back to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 in the first leg of the I-4 Derby sponsored by United World Soccer at the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl Saturday night. The Lions scored in the 49^th, 58^th and 70^th minutes and withstood a late score by the Rowdies to complete the comeback victory.

“Our response in the second half was positive, we moved the ball quickly and opened them up,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The game could’ve been out of sight with the amount of chances we had, but certainly glad of the 3-2 result after being down 1-nil at halftime.“

Orlando put the pressure on the Tampa Bay side early and often, creating chances for the Lions in the first half. Midfielder Jamie Watson was on the end of a few scoring chances in the first 10 minutes, having two shots on goal with one skipping inches left of the post for the Lions.

Tampa got on the board first, however, with a bad giveaway from the Orlando City backline leading to the score. Tampa Bay Forward Amani Walker took advantage of the poor passing by the City backline, slotting home the goal to give the Rowdies a 1-0 lead in the 17^th minute.

City continued to pressure throughout the rest of the first half, with the Lions holding a 12 -2 advantage in shots as the halftime whistle blew with the Rowdies still ahead by one.

Orlando got on the board immediately starting the second half, with Watson converting a corner kick to even the score line at 1-1. New signee Freddie Braun attempted the corner leading to the score, with the midfielder slotting home the goal.

The Lions offensive continued, with another goal coming in the 58^th minute for Orlando. After Forward Long Tan’s strike was deflected back in the middle of the pitch by Tampa Goalkeeper Andrew Fontein, Midfielder James O’Connor half-volleyed the deflection into the lower left-hand corner to give Orlando the 2-1 advantage. Forward Jean Alexandre also got on the scoreboard in the second half, with the striker chipping his breakaway opportunity up and over Fontein for the score and 3-1 lead.

Tampa Bay wasn’t done, with 2011 USL PRO Rookie of the Year Luke Mulholland converting on a free kick in the 75^th to put the Rowdies back in contention. The consistent Orlando attack was too much as the game wore on, with the match ending in a 3-2 victory for the Lions.

The Lions continue the 2013 preseason in a series of collegiate friendlies, starting with University of Stetson this Wednesday, March 13, at the Seminole Soccer Complex in Sanford, Fla. Orlando will also meet Florida Gulf Coast, Rollins College and the University of Tampa before the Lions square off against the Rowdies in the second leg of the I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer in St. Petersburg, Fla., at Al Lang Stadium on March 30.

Orlando City Game Summary

Team 1 2 Final

Orlando City 0 3 3

Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 1 2

Scoring Summary:

(TB)-Amani Walker- 17^th

(ORL)-Jamie Watson- 49^th

(ORL)-James O’Connor-58^th

(ORL)-Jean Alexandre-70^th

(TB)-Luke Mulholland-75^th

Lineups:

Orlando City- Miguel Gallardo, Bryan Burke, Luke Boden, Oumar Diakhite, Rob Valentino, Adama Mbengue (Jonathan Mendoza-79^th), Freddie Braun, James O’Connor, Jamie Watson, Jean Alexandre, Long Tan

Tampa Bay- Andrew Fontein, Takuya Yamada, Dan Scott (Georgi Hristov-56^th), Jay Needham, Andres Arango (Jordan Gafa-79^th), Raphael Cox, Stuart Campbell, Shane Hill, Luke Mulholland, Amani Walker, Evans Frimpong

Match Facts:

Time of Match: 7:30 p.m.

Weather: Clear

Attendance: 6,877

For all game information and times of matches, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.

Orlando City Soccer Club announces 2013 schedule

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.