USL Welcomes Back Orlando City SC for 2016
Published on October 15, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today that Orlando City SC, which was a member of the league from 2011-14 before joining Major League Soccer this season, will return for the 2016 season. The new club, which will play its matches in the greater Orlando area, becomes the league's 29th franchise.
"We are pleased to welcome back such an influential club in USL history for the 2016 season," USL President Jake Edwards said. "Having Orlando City SC back in the USL and playing in the greater Orlando area is an important step as we continue to build the league's presence in the Southeastern United States. We are excited to see Phil Rawlins, Tim Holt and the entire Orlando City organization continue the incredible success the club has enjoyed in the USL in the past."
Orlando City SC has a rich history in the USL, with the club having claimed two USL Championships in addition to three regular-season titles before making the move to MLS for 2015. The team featured two USL Most Valuable Players, with Yordany Alvarez (2011) and Kevin Molino (2012, 2014) both taking the award. Other illustrious former players include Rob Valentino, a three-time All-USL selection, Sporting Kansas City's Dom Dwyer, who helped the Lions claim the 2013 championship, and current Orlando City SC player Lewis Neal.
Orlando City SC is led by Chairman & Majority Owner Flávio Augusto da Silva and Founder and President Phil Rawlins. Former Orlando City player Anthony Pulis has been named head coach of the USL club, and Valentino, who played with Arizona United SC this season, has been hired as an assistant coach.
"The addition of Orlando City B represents another important and exciting step in the continued growth of our club," Orlando City Vice President of Business Development Tim Holt said. "OCB will have an immediate impact in the advancement of our young and emerging players by offering week-in, week-out action in the highly-competitive USL, serving to accelerate their development. With our past USL accomplishments serving as one of the club's foundations, we are particularly thrilled to be rejoining a vibrant league in the form of OCB, rekindling old rivalries and establishing new ones. Further, our partnership with EFSC for the staging of games at the Titan Soccer Complex will allow us to offer a festive event experience and intense game atmosphere for our fans in Brevard County and throughout Central Florida to enjoy."
The USL is a vital piece of the growth of soccer in North America, on and off the field. With 24 clubs in the 2015 season, the USL looks to expand strategically with strong ownership groups that share the league's passion and vision, in markets that are positioned for long-term success. The USL recently announced the additions of Lehigh Valley, FC Cincinnati and Rio Grande Valley FC for the 2016 season, and Reno, Nevada for 2017.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 15, 2015
- Rochester, LA Seek First Title at 2015 USL Championship - USL
- Orlando City Announces Orlando City B - Orlando City B
- Kickers Announce Tryout Dates - Richmond Kickers
- USL Welcomes Back Orlando City SC for 2016 - USL
- Rochester Hosts USL Championship Game Friday Night - Rochester Rhinos
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