What started as a dream has now became a reality for the city of Orlando as the long-awaited announcement came Tuesday night that Orlando City Soccer Club will become the 21st club to join Major League Soccer. Orlando City will begin play in MLS in 2015.
The announcement comes as no surprise to those that have followed Orlando City’s growth since their inaugural year in 2011. In three years, Orlando City has won two USL Pro regular season titles and two USL Pro championships.
Their commitment to running a professional organization in Orlando led to a two-year partnership with Sporting Kansas City prior to the 2013 season. That partnership - which will continue through 2014 - allowed Sporting KC to send up to four players on loan to Orlando during the 2013 season. Sporting KC used the loan system to get critical minutes for players such as Dom Dwyer, C.J. Sapong and Christian Duke, among others, throughout the year.
Dwyer’s time in Orlando proved to be a revelation, as the England-born striker set a League-record with 15 goals in only 13 games. Dwyer was recalled by Sporting KC in late June, but returned to Orlando to score four goals in the USL Pro championship match - a match that Orlando City won 7-4. Including U.S. Open Cup matches, Dwyer totaled 22 goals for the Lions.
“It was a great experience for me down there,” Dwyer said of playing with Orlando City. “I got a lot of playing time and had the opportunity to develop as a player."
Dwyer was not only impressed with the professional attitude of the organization, but the fervent support from the Orlando City fans.
“They are obviously a team that is ready for MLS,” the young striker said. “To have 21,000 fans for the final … that’s unreal. From the coaches to the players to the entire organization, they are ready to be a part of this League and I wish them the best of luck."
Another Sporting KC player who will be keeping an eye on Orlando City SC developments will be All-Star midfielder Graham Zusi. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder hails from Longwood, Fla., only 20 miles from the Citrus Bowl, the stadium that housed Orlando City for the past three years. In fact, Zusi’s father, David, was among the central Florida residents who pledged their support for the club’s new stadium at a recent Orange County Board of Commissioners meeting.
“I think it’s great for Orlando to have a team,” Zusi said. “They have proven they are a quality side with the way they have dominated the USL Pro division. I think they will be able to compete in MLS right away.
“Personally, I am excited because it’s my hometown and I will be able to travel there and play in front of my family and friends,” he added.
Orlando City SC is the second MLS expansion club to be announced in 2013. New York City FC, a joint-venture between English Premier League giant Manchester City and the New York Yankees were announced as the 20th team in May.
