OCSC Lions Sign Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando City SC announced Monday that Goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski has been signed to the 2014 squad, pending USSF approval. Woszczynski joins the Lions in what the club expects to be the final USL PRO season, with Head Coach Adrian Heath retooling the roster with talented players with an eye toward a 2015 entry into Major League Soccer (MLS). “We always evaluate everyone we play against in the USL PRO,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I thought Carl was the best goalkeeper we played against last year. We’re delighted we have another goalkeeper on the squad. It will breed competition. We know how important next year is going to be as we build toward MLS.” http://www.reddit.com/tb/1pwhcw
Orlando City owners endorse current Lions coach Adrian Heath to lead club against MLS competition Orlando City owners Phil Rawlins and Flávio Augusto da Silva have already identified the man they want to help steer the Lions to the major league level. Still riding a wave of euphoria following a boisterous celebration of the club's official invitation to join Major League Soccer, the owners endorsed current Lions coach Adrian Heath. Rawlins was asked whether Orlando City would consider making a splash by reaching out to former U.S. men's national team coach Bob Bradley to lead the team's transition to MLS. Bradley is coaching in Egypt and would likely be open to taking over a MLS team. "We're very, very pleased and delighted with the head coach that we have," Rawlins said during a teleconference Wednesday, calling Heath a good friend who played a critical role on the team's success becoming a MLS franchise. http://www.reddit.com/tb/1rzpje
Louisville Lions? Report says Orlando City may move USL PRO franchise to Kentucky As Orlando City SC prepare for entry into MLS in a year's time, it appears that the Lions' brand may be set for some expansion of its own. On Tuesday, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that Orlando's USL PRO franchise could be relocated to Kentucky for 2015, providing OCSC with an instant lower-division affiliate and bringing pro soccer to an intriguing new frontier in the United States. As it happens, one of Orlando City's minority owners is Wayne Estopinal, a Louisville-based architect who owns an indoor soccer facility in Derby City and is eager to bring USL PRO to his town as well. Estopinal says USL approved the move at their annual meeting last month, pending the approval of OCSC's other owners, and club president Phil Rawlins and chairman John Bonner are set to tour Louisville next week to test the waters in terms of local support and potential investors. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...lando-city-may-move-usl-pro-franchise-kentuck
Orlando City make Trinidad & Tobago international Kevin Molino first MLS signing The MLS roster building in Orlando has officially begun. Orlando City announced on Friday morning that they have signed Trinidad & Tobago international Kevin Molino (above, left) to a deal that guarantees him a spot on the club's roster next year, effectively making the midfielder the Lions' first MLS player acquisition. Molino, 23, will play for Orlando City in their final USL PRO season in 2014 before moving to MLS with the club for its expansion season in 2015. “Kevin was out of contract with us and was being courted heavily in Europe and the States," Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath said in a statement. "He’s turned down deals from several MLS teams to stay with us in Orlando. That says a lot about his love for this club. He will be a great asset for us again in ’14 and moving forward into MLS.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...go-international-kevin-molino-first-mls-signi
Orlando City president Phil Rawlins makes bold statement: "We'll be at capacity every week" Orlando City president and co-owner Phil Rawlins has proven to be unafraid of making bold statements, and he just delivered his latest one. Rawlins met with local TV station FOX 35 News Orlando on Sunday to discuss the soccer-specific stadium that is expected to be built for the Lions in downtown Orlando in the coming months, and began talking about the stadium's anticipated summer 2015 launch. Rawlins stated he anticipated the stadium opener to be sold out, and then added that he believed that would be the case for each and every Orlando City home game. "I would expect on opening day, we'll have 20,000 people filling the stands here. We'll be at capacity," said Rawlins. "I think we'll be at capacity every week." http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...lins-makes-bold-statement-well-be-capacity-ev
MLS stadium progress in Downtown Orlando ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Downtown Orlando is shaping up to become a sports entertainment hub with the addition of a new major league soccer stadium. It will call an area on Church Street home and fit in alongside the Amway Center and the Orlando Magic's plans for a sports entertainment district, not to mention the Orlando Citrus Bowl, which is undergoing its own makeover. Fox 35's John Brown spoke with Orlando City Soccer President Phil Rawlins to get new details about the new MLS stadium and how all of the sports venues are coming together to change the Downtown Orlando experience. Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/24494376/mls-stadium-progress-in-downtown-orlando#ixzz2qzj5HyNi
Orlando City SC land second player for 2015 in deal for Real Salt Lake midfielder Yordany Alvarez Orlando City SC have a second player under contract ahead of their 2015 expansion season in Major League Soccer after trading for Real Salt Lake midfielder Yordany Alvarez on Wednesday. Alvarez, 28, suited up for Orlando in 2011 and helped lead the Lions to their first USL PRO Championship while winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award. To acquire Alvarez, the club traded its lowest fourth-round SuperDraft pick in 2017. In 2014, Alvarez will be on a loan from Real Salt Lake, playing for the Lions in their final season in USL PRO. “We’re obviously delighted to have Yordany back,” Orlando City head coach Adrian Heath said. “We have an MLS-caliber player returning to us. I’m really excited to have him with us again and looking forward to the future with him on the squad.“ http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...yer-2015-deal-real-salt-lake-midfielder-yorda
MLS-bound Orlando City unveil uniforms for 2014, their final season in USL PRO Orlando City SC on Saturday revealed their uniforms for the 2014 USL PRO season at an event in downtown Orlando. Those kits will be the last one the Lions wear as a non-MLS team, and their whole look will be getting an update in the next 12 months. http://www.mlssoccer.com/sideline/n...reveal-uniforms-final-season-usl-pro-sideline
2014 PDL Schedule Announced Orlando, Fla.- The official 2014 Premier Development League (PDL) schedule was announced on Friday afternoon, featuring seven home games at Seminole Soccer Complex, in Sanford, Fla., for the Orlando City U23s. Coached by Paul Shaw, former Arsenal F.C. player and Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) Senior Boys Academy Director, the U23s look to begin their third exciting season in the Orlando City pyramid. All home games will begin at 7 p.m. The U23s are set to kick-off their season at home on Wednesday, May 21, against Southeast Division rivals Ocala Stampede, before venturing on a difficult three-game road trip. During that road swing, the Lions will face SW Florida Adrenaline, IMG Academy, and newly added PDL side Floridians F.C. http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1717
Phil Rawlins resigns from Stoke City board to focus on Orlando MLS team Stoke City have announced the resignation of Phil Rawlins from the club's board of directors. Rawlins has sold his shares in the club to Stoke Holdings after almost 14 years on the club's board because of his commitments with the new Major League Soccer team in Orlando. In a statement released by the Potters, Rawlins said: "My commitments in the States and the elevation of Orlando City to MLS unfortunately mean that I can no longer put the necessary time into my duties as a Stoke director. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure on the board and have many great memories to cherish. http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/stoke-city/news/rawlins-resigns-from-stoke-board_135437.html
Orlando City ink El Salvador national team captain Darwin Ceren for 2015 MLS season Orlando City SC continue to build their roster in anticipation of their 2015 MLS debut, announcing another player acquisition Wednesday with the signing of El Salvador national team captain Darwin Cerén. Pending his International Transfer Certificate and visa, Cerén will join OCSC as their third MLS signing. He’ll compete with the club for the 2014 USL PRO season and will be guaranteed an MLS roster spot for the following season. “We’re extremely delighted that Darwin is joining us as our third MLS signing,” Orlando City president Phil Rawlins said on the club's website. “We fought very hard to get him here, as several other MLS clubs were also interested. We believe that he is a great prospect for the future.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...tional-team-captain-darwin-ceren-2015-mls-sea
Lions Claim Draw Against Toronto Late equalizer earns Orlando 1-1 draw at Pro Soccer Classic Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Saturday, February 22, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Orlando City SC earned a 1-1 draw with Major League Soccer side Toronto F.C. on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Lions' second contest at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic. After conceding an early penalty kick, the Lions equalized late on to continue their undefeated streak against MLS sides so far at the preseason tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. “I thought that we were the better side after the first 15-20 minutes,” said Lions coach Adrian Heath. “On a different night, if we take half of our chances, then we would’ve won the game comfortably. Our passing was a bit sloppy in the first half, but I think we began dictating things as we got into a rhythm.” For their second Pro Soccer Classic match, Toronto and Orlando played in a regular-season atmosphere as the City supporter groups packed the stands behind the goal and sang continuously for 90 minutes. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/789882.html
Orlando City sign US youth international Tyler Turner, will make jump to MLS roster Orlando City SC has signed US U-18 national team defender Tyler Turner to both a USL PRO contract for the upcoming season and a 2015 MLS contract, the team announced Thursday, pending USSF approval. The 17-year-old IMG Academy product, who has been with Orlando since the start of preseason camp, becomes Lions youngest player. OCSC are set to take their MLS bows in 2015. “We liked what we saw from him, not only when he was with the national team but also throughout the preseason with us,” head coach Adrian Heath said in a release. “One of the things that we noticed straight away was how comfortable he is on the ball. For our defenders, that’s almost a required trait so we’re delighted to have him with us.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...rnational-tyler-turner-upcoming-season-inaugu
Valentino Aiming To Join Lions In MLS Defender has been model of consistency in time at Orlando Friday, February 28, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – As Orlando City enters its final season in USL PRO, there remain expectations to be met. Those expectations are not only for the team, which will try to defend its title and claim its third championship in four seasons, but also for the players who hope to join the club as it joins MLS in 2015. One of those players is Rob Valentino, who arguably has been the Lions’ most consistent performer in his three seasons with the club. An All-League First Team selection all three years, the only Lions player to accomplish the feat, Valentino has been a standout on the club’s back line and a leader in the locker room. Despite all of the accolades he has accumulated, however, it’s not yet guaranteed that the former New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids player will be joining Orlando City in MLS. Valentino, however, is aiming to make Coach Adrian Heath’s decision as easy as possible. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/791395.html
Lions Earn Thrilling Draw With Red Bulls Final game at Disney Pro Soccer Classic ends in 4-4 tie Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Saturday, March 1, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Orlando City SC claimed a 4-4 draw with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic third place match. With Orlando and New York electing to forgo a decision by penalty kicks, the two sides shared third place at the preseason tournament. “Despite allowing two or three poor goals, there were a lot of pleasing moments for us, especially going forward,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “As their coaches just said, we’re difficult to contain with the way we move the ball.”
Orlando City signs first homegrown player for MLS Tommy Redding ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando City SC might not be in Major League Soccer just yet, but that isn’t stopping them from already working on their list of MLS homegrown players. The Lions announced on Wednesday that they have signed U.S. Under-18 national team defender Tommy Redding as their first MLS homegrown player. The 17-year old will join the Lions on a multiyear deal (USL Pro-MLS), after turning down multiple offers from Europe, most specifically Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. “We were always aware of him, we knew he was with the national team, so he was already close to us,” OCSC President Phil Rawlins told SBI on acquiring Redding. “The biggest obstacle was Europe, it was a case of making a step for Tommy and what’s best for his development. It was the right place, the right time. http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/03/orlando-homegrown-player.html
Lions Announce Three Additions Clark returns to Orlando, Diaz and Quinn join squad Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Wednesday, March 19, 2014 ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC announced on Wednesday the signing of defender Justin Clark, goalkeeper Rafael Diaz and midfielder Aodhan Quinn for the 2014 USL PRO season, pending USSF approval. The three new additions will provide depth for Head Coach Adrian Heath’s roster. Clark is set to rejoin the Lions after playing for Orlando last season, making five appearances during the 2013 campaign. With a year of professional experience under his belt, the athletic center-back will provide support for veterans Rob Valentino and Brad Rusin. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/795539.html
Details released on new Orlando soccer stadium The 126-page construction agreement shows the stadium will hold more than 18,000 spectators and include 2,500 club seats. It’ll also have 300 seats in specialty suits. The stadium’s square footage will be about 290,000 square feet, with 120,000 square feet devoted to the bowl. And the stadium will house retail shops, restaurants and bars. http://www.reddit.com/tb/21i4mb
Orlando City Council approves soccer stadium construction deal Orlando leaders approved an agreement Monday that provides the closest look yet of the features that fans can expect to see in the city's new Major League Soccer stadium. The construction agreement approved unanimously by the City Council spells out the process for building the $84 million stadium. While the city will own it, the Orlando City Lions will act as the developer of the facility. It's the same arrangement the city and the Orlando Magic used to build the Amway Center. Mayor Buddy Dyer said it protects taxpayers. Here are some highlights: • Top architectural firm Populous will design the stadium. They'll be paid from the team's portion of the funding, avoiding the need to go through the city's public bidding process. • The stadium would be 290,000 square feet, including a 102,000-square-foot seating bowl. • It will include a 4,000-square-foot team store, corner terraces and a lot of fan amenities. • There will be about 2,500 club-level seats, where premium ticket-holders will also have access to a 4,000-square-foot club with a buffet and bar. • There will be roughly 18,000 seats between general admission, club level and suites. The cheap seats will be chairs at least 19 inches wide — an inch wider than the seats at the old Citrus Bowl, where the team played last season. Club seats will be 20-inch-wide armchairs, and the roughly 300 fans in the suites will be able to plant themselves in 21-inch, upholstered armchairs. • The field would be open to the sky, but the seating bowls on the east and west sides would be under a roof. http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...o-mls-soccer-stadium-20140331,0,2281111.story
Tampa Bay Rowdies To Continue Rivalry Against Orlando City SC In Second Annual I-4 Derby The NASL's Tampa Bay Rowdies and Orlando City Soccer Club of USL PRO enthusiastically announced the renewal of the I-4 Derby series to take place beginning in April. Orlando City will host the first leg of the series at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Wednesday, April 30, with the Rowdies having the return leg at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg on July 6. http://www.nasl.com/article/uuid/18...ainst-orlando-city-in-second-annual-i-4-derby
