Monday, April 9, 2012

Here Us ROAR!

By Mike Gramajo
With the 2012 USL Pro season under way, I can't help to be excited on the result of Orlando City got on its season opener against the Charlotte Eagles.

For those of you reading this and are wondering who, what or is, Orlando City? Well, let me introduce you to the basics because that all you will need. And don't worry, the bandwagon is open to many more fans, seriously.

Orlando City Soccer Club is Orlando's professional soccer team, who compete in the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, USL Pro.

The Club is owned by Phil Rawlins, who relocated the Austin Aztex to Orlando and were later renamed Orlando City Soccer Club.

The history of soccer in Orlando dates back to 1985, where Orlando's amateur/professional soccer team were called the Orlando Lions.

The club dissolved in 1996, however, Orlando City has deeply rooted the nickname "Lions" in order to bring back professional soccer to Orlando.

Within 3-5 years, Orlando City hopes to be part of Major League Soccer, which is the top division soccer league in the United States, just how the NBA and NFL are top division leagues in their sport.

Orlando City began their inaugural season in 2011, where many expectations were met.

By the end of the 2011 USL Pro season, City did not only hold the best record in the league, but they also went all the way and won the USL Pro Championship.

Their home venue is The Florida Citrus Bowl, which is located near Downtown Orlando.

After a successful 2011 season, Orlando City retrieved 80 percent of its roster.

The club also acquired John Rooney, younger brother of Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney.

With the acquisitions of the Florida Soccer Alliance and Central Florida Kraze, the club is able to set up a developmental program, which is named Orlando City Youth and Orlando City U-23.

The 2012 season is under way, and I can only expect more success. However, if I didn't pitch the idea of Orlando City too well, then the only thing I can tell you is to get out to an Orlando City home game and the rest can probably sum it up for you.

Note, I made this blog not only to provide well established fans info on Orlando City but if theres one thing I have learned about the sport I truly love, its that a team does not become a great team without its fans. 
So I encourage many of my readers to spread the word of Orlando City Soccer Club.  I don't intend to dismantle the integrity of this successful club. 
Nevertheless, my plan is to be part of the success of this club in order to reach it's ultimate goal; Major League Soccer.