Orlando To Host AS Roma Serie A giants to meet Lions for second consecutive year Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Thursday, April 10, 2014 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City SC announced today that the club will play Italian Serie A side AS Roma in an international friendly for the second consecutive year. The match will take place on Friday, May 23, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. OCSC season-ticket holders will have priority to purchase tickets beginning on Thursday, April 10, at 11 a.m., and the general public will have an opportunity to secure their seats on Saturday, April 12, beginning at 10 a.m. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/800901.html
Orlando City hire veteran MLS architectural firm Populous to lead downtown stadium project Set to debut in MLS in 2015, Orlando City kept the wheels rolling on its stadium project this week, announcing on Tuesday that architectural firm Populous, which has worked on several other MLS stadiums, will lead the design and construction team for the new venue in downtown Orlando. Populous has designed a range of MLS stadiums, including Sporting Park, BBVA Compass Stadium and Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and will lead this project in conjunction with Barton Malow – a leading construction services company which has worked on redevelopment projects at iconic venues like the Rose Bowl and Oriole Park at Camden Yards. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...rchitectural-firm-populous-lead-downtown-stad
Orlando City Seeks Fan Input on Design of New Soccer Stadium Orlando, Fla.- Orlando City SC announced today a unique plan to solicit input and gather suggestions from its fans on the design of its new downtown stadium. The idea was born out of a recent meeting with Orlando City supporter group leaders and stadium architects. “We recently invited the leaders of our supporter groups to meet with our stadium design team. During this conversation it became very apparent that our supporters had a lot of great ideas – and that we needed to find a mechanism to incorporate additional fan input into our stadium design,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “As a result, we’ve launched this new initiative to encourage all of our fans to send us their stadium design ideas.” http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/mls/mlsnews/?article_id=1813
Orlando City SC to play entirety of debut MLS season at the renovated Citrus Bowl, new stadium to open in 2016 Major League Soccer expansion franchise Orlando City SC will play the entirety of their debut season in 2015 at the Citrus Bowl, thanks to a snag involving land rights for the club’s proposed soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando. OCSC will now open the 2016 season in the new stadium, expected to be built one block west of the Amway Center. The club had initially expected to spend at least a portion of its debut season there after receiving the go-ahead on the construction agreement from the Orlando City Council late last month. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ebut-mls-season-citrus-bowl-new-stadium-open-
Future Five: Scouting Orlando's MLS signings set to lead the way in 2015 ORLANDO, Fla. – Even with their first Major League Soccer contest almost one year away, Orlando City fans can keep a close eye on five players are already under MLS contract for 2015. Only time will tell what impact these five building blocks have on Orlando City’s first foray into MLS, but here is a brief introduction to each: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/24/future-five-scouting-orlandos-mls-signings
Orlando City supporters welcome "homecoming" at revamped Citrus Bowl following stadium delay ORLANDO, Fla. – The last time the Orlando City Soccer Club played a match in downtown Orlando, 20,886 fans packed into the lower bowl of the Florida Citrus Bowl for the USL PRO championship game. And despite the fact that MLS-bound Orlando City will have to wait a bit longer to move into their own soccer-specific stadium, it’s that legacy that made the news that the Lions will play the entirety of their first pro season at the remodeled Citrus Bowl, which will be located just a mile down the road from their new venue, palatable for both the club and its supporters. Initial plans already called for Orlando City’s 2015 season to be split between the two venues. It became less of a surprise to fans when an alternate plan was put in place with each day passing without breaking ground at the stadium site downtown. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-homecoming-revamped-citrus-bowl-following-st
Orlando Takes Victory vs. Tampa Bay Span, Chin lead Lions to 3-0 win against Rowdies Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Wednesday, April 30, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In the first match of the 2014 I-4 Derby, Orlando City SC secured a 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The victory over the Rowdies on Wednesday night continues the Lions’ undefeated run (4-0-0) against Tampa, dating back to 2013. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/805729.html
Florida State Legislature Approves Key Stadium Funding Bill Orlando, Fla. – The Florida State Legislature made a monumental decision on Friday, May 2, by voting in support of a Bill that sets forth a comprehensive new process for Florida-based professional sports teams to apply for stadium construction funds in exchange for the teams guaranteeing a specific amount of future new State sales tax generated as a result of the construction. The final step required in the process is a signature by Governor Rick Scott which is expected to occur. “We are delighted with the passing of this Bill,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “The additional funding will allow us to make several key upgrades to the design of the new stadium to make it one of the best venues in MLS.” http://www.reddit.com/tb/24k7k1
Orlando City Unveils its New Major League Soccer Logo Orlando, Fla.– In anticipation of Major League Soccer (MLS) entry, Orlando City SC began its rebranding process today by unveiling its new logo. The logo was released via the club’s social media outlets and maintains a representation of Orlando City’s identity, while also incorporating prominent Floridian aspects, featuring the sun, the color purple, and a single lion. The color purple has become a highly recognizable feature for Orlando City over the years. Employed as the club’s primary color, purple distinguishes Orlando City from any other club in the North American soccer landscape. Remaining as the central focal point of the logo, is the Lion, indicating strength and pride. The King of the Jungle reflects Orlando City’s successful tenure in USL PRO and reluctance to shy away from an opponent. The logo is also symbolic of a new beginning for Orlando City. The 21 sun flares bordering the Lion signifies the club being named MLS’ 21st franchise in November of 2014. The sun is emblematic of a new goal for Orlando City. With Florida being widely known as the Sunshine State, the integration of the sun in the new logo describes OCSC’s aspiration to become the team that not only represents the City of Orlando but also the State of Florida. http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/?article_id=1854
Orlando Falls Narrowly To AS Roma Italian legend Totti has only goal in 1-0 exhibition win Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Friday, May 23, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – In an international friendly against Serie A giants AS Roma, Orlando City SC fell 1-0 to the Italian side on Friday night at ESPN Wide World of Sports. World-renowned midfielder Francesco Totti scored the deciding goal early in the first half. “That was a monumental effort from our players tonight,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I’ve come down on them pretty hard recently, but I’m delighted with every single one of them. I think they did outstandingly well tonight.” http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/811856.html
U.S. OPEN CUP DOUBLE WINS Orlando U23s Advance Past Battery Lions win Open Cup-record shootout 12-11 in 14 rounds http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/813036.html Orlando Romps Against Rowdies Molino scores twice as Lions advance to face Rapids http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/813018.html
Orlando To Host Sao Paulo FC Brazilian giant to visit Lions on June 20 for exhibition Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com Friday, May 30, 2014 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City SC announced today it will host another high-profile international friendly this year, with the Lions set to face Brazilian super-club Sao Paulo F.C. on Friday, June 20 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Tickets are currently available for purchase via Ticketmaster. The kick-off time will be announced at a later date. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/813532.html
Span Leads Lions Past Impact Reserves Has both goals as Orlando remains undefeated with 2-1 win USL PRO Game Report Saturday, June 7, 2014 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Orlando City SC extended its unbeaten streak to 13, one shy on tying the club record, with a pair of goals from midfielder Brian Span to defeat the Montreal Impact Reserves 2-1 in the two side’s first meeting at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Saturday night. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72013 L3/Display E NDX NDX 815746
Orlando Partners With SL Benfica Lions, Portuguese giant to work together on and off field Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysc.com Monday, June 9, 2014 ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City SC announced today an innovative strategic partnership with Portuguese first-division side SL Benfica, which is one of the largest clubs in Europe. The agreement sets forth cooperation in a variety of areas, including: - Sharing evaluations regarding professional and youth soccer players. - Arranging potential friendly matches between the clubs in the U.S. and in Portugal. - Providing opportunities for both clubs’ players to train with the other team. - Cooperation to share professional knowledge regarding the business side of the industry (e.g., marketing, sales, etc.). - Developing of an innovative strategic plan between both clubs to develop and promote access to scholarships for colleges and universities in the United States for not only soccer players, but also to other athletes. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2:gp::72013 L3/Display E NDX NDX 816055
Orlando City SC Unveils Renderings for New Downtown Major League Soccer Stadium The multi-purpose stadium features the following: •Capacity: 19,500 total capacity (approximate) •Seating Bowl: Full 360-degree lower bowl built below ground level with a unique 3-stand seating upper bowl. •Roof Coverage: Full roof canopies that cover all seats to the front row on the east, west & north ends that are designed to enhance and amplify the crowd noise, as well as protect fans from the sun and rain. •Fan Plaza Areas: Open and expansive fan plaza on the south end leading into the Church Street Sports & Entertainment Corridor, which will serve as a large common gathering area for fans during events. •Future Expansion: Underground infrastructure built-in to allow for future seating expansion in the stadium corners. •Hospitality & Fan Amenities: Multiple VIP hospitality areas, including a midfield Club Lounge with views of the playing field, up to 38 luxury suites and an elevated 360-degree balcony-style bar within the scoreboard structure. •Supporters Section: Proposed single-deck supporters section featuring standing rails with an open-air ‘pub-style’ area built on top of an elevated concourse located immediately behind the seating section for use only by supporter section members. •Playing Surface: Natural grass playing surface. •Public Art: Full-size lion statue prominently featured built on a rotating base to allow the statue to face the stadium field during Orlando City matches and towards Church Street during non-event times. Additional details on the lion statue will be announced in the future. http://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/?article_id=1896
OVER AND OUT City falls in Open Cup to Colorado COMMERCE CITY, Colo.- Orlando City SC’s U.S. Open Cup run was cut short on Tuesday night, with the Lions suffering a 5-2 defeat to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids in the fourth round of the competition at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The win by the Rapids marks the first loss for Orlando City to the Colorado based club, as the Lions took a 3-1 victory in last year’s edition of the Open Cup. Despite Colorado maintaining much of the possession in the opening 20 minutes, Orlando City was able to jump on the score-sheet first when Adama Mbenuge surprised the home crowd with a low-driven effort in the 22nd minute. After receiving the ball from Ceren just outside the area, the Senegalese midfielder’s powerful effort flew past Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin to give the Lions an early lead. Colorado continued probing throughout the half though, and Deshorn Brown provides an equalizer for the Rapids in the 32nd minute after Nick LaBrocca’s strike landed directly at his feet. http://www.sunshinesoccernews.com/teams/orlandocity2.php?article_id=2060 PORTLAND TIMBERS (MLS) 3 ORLANDO CITY U23s (PDL) 0 PORTLAND, Ore.--- The Portland Timbers' Gastón Fernández scored a first half brace and rookie Taylor Peay added another goal as the home side beat Orlando City U23s 3-0 in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. Forward Maximiliano Urruti contributed two assists as well as earning a penalty that Fernández converted while Timbers goalkeeper Andrew Weber produced a clean sheet in net. http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/us/opencup2.php?article_id=37358
Kaká signs deal with Orlando City, set to arrive in Orlando on Monday Kaká has signed a contract to be Orlando City's first designated player and is set to fly to Orlando on Monday. The Brazilian star finalized the contract in the last few days, opting out of his deal with AC Milan and agreeing to a six-month loan with his home club, São Paulo. He will join Orlando City for preseason training in January. Kaká is getting on a plane in Brazil on Monday morning and is expected to arrive at Orlando International Airport at 6:15 p.m., according to a source with direct knowledge of the agreement. Orlando City will announce the arrival of the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner on Monday, encouraging fans to greet Kaká at the airport. http://www.reddit.com/tb/29exd0
ESPN FC @ESPNFC · 57m The scene greeting Kaka as he arrives at Orlando International Airport (via @OrlandoCitySC)
Lions Take Victory In I-4 Derby Defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies for sixth consecutive occasion Orlando City SC News Release -- www.orlandocitysc.com Sunday, July 6, 2014 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Orlando City SC defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies 3-2 at Al Lang Stadium on Sunday evening to claim its second consecutive I-4 Derby title, 6-2 on aggregate, presented by United World Soccer. Numerous City supporters ventured on the away trip to witness the Lions defeat the Rowdies for the sixth time in as many matches over the past two seasons. http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/821941.html
Orlando City SC shift soccer-specific stadium site one block west as city drops eminent-domain claim On Monday, club president Phil Rawlins and Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer revealed an updated location for Orlando City SC’s downtown soccer stadium, shifting the site one block west of the original location along Church Street in order to ensure the venue will be ready for opening day in 2016. The shift west comes immediately after the city dropped eminent-domain proceedings against the Faith Deliverance Temple, the church whose property was the final piece of the real-estate puzzle for the footprint for the $110 million stadium. In order to begin play at the new stadium in 2016 – Orlando will spend 2015 at the renovated Citrus Bowl – the team couldn’t afford to delay construction any longer. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ecific-stadium-site-one-block-west-city-drops
