(Credit: @OrlandoCitySC)
Thursday was an exciting day to be an Orlando City SC supporter with the club having announced a Throwback Game against rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies to celebrate the end of the Citrus Bowl era.
The club interestingly amended their profile images of the modern-day Orlando City SC logo to the old three-headed USL version on their respective social media accounts ahead of leaving a cryptic tweet at 3PM (UK time).
A special announcement is coming your way at 4:00. Until then, we’re looking back at some of our favorite memories using #TBCity. pic.twitter.com/reRGxUHyaQ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Informing Lions fans to stay tuned for a “special announcement” at 9PM (UK time), Orlando City SC Twitter naturally went into a frenzy thereafter.
With fans wondering whether it was a new stadium name announcement, red USL jerseys being worn for the final Camping World Stadium fixture or even the old version of Kingston being brought out of retirement, fans were kept busy in the interim.
With Thursday being the natural day for a throwback upon social media of course, Orlando City SC fans were able to forget about 2016’s disappointment in MLS while temporarily reminiscing the past via the hashtags #TBCity and #ForeverALion.
The club had clearly been using the past couple of weeks and months to capture footage of notable Orlando City SC personalities past and present, not only thanking fans for their support but also reflecting upon their own achievements in purple.
The optimum time to reflect back upon just how much the progress the club have made since being inaugurated in their first form in 2011, featured professionals throughout the day included…
Dennis Chin
2011-2014, 84 Appearances, 33 goals
City’s Leading Scorer in USL Era
2 time USL Pro Champion@Dchinny15, #ForeverALion#TBCity pic.twitter.com/ECcdtf6qTs— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Dom Dwyer
2013, 13 appearances, 15 goals
4 goals in 2013 USL Championship in 7-4 victory
2013 All-USL First Team@Ddwyer14, #ForeverALion pic.twitter.com/krZTlFAWzf— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Johnny Mendoza
Forza Mendoza!
2013. 2016. 48 Appearances, 2 Goals
2013 USL Pro Champion
2016 Playoff Clinching Goal
Johnny Mendoza, #TBCity pic.twitter.com/KXhsp2qxXH— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Rob Valentino
2011-2014, 2012-14 Captain
2011 USL Defender of the Year
3x All-USL 1st Team
2x USL Pro Champ@OrlandoCityB Coach@Rob_Valentino, #TBCitypic.twitter.com/bpz8wjC753— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Anthony Pulis
2012-2014, 44 Apps, 4 goals
2x USL Pro Commissioner’s Cup Champ
2013 USL Pro Champion@OrlandoCityB Head Coach@antpulis, #TBCitypic.twitter.com/z7qG5dYEaL— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Yordany Álvarez
2009, 2010 with Austin Aztex, on an open tryout
2011, 2014, 34 Appearances, 3 goals
2011 @USL MVP@alvarezyordany, #ForeverALion#TBCitypic.twitter.com/IfFeMJuMk9— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Jamie Watson
2011-2013, 60 apps, 23 goals
2011 All-USL Second Team
2013 All-USL First Team
2x USL Pro Champ@jamiewatson77, #ForeverALion#TBCity pic.twitter.com/yQeBiEGNaB— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016
Throwback Game versus Tampa Bay Rowdies
As for the Throwback Game against Orlando City SC‘s principal enemy Tampa Bay Rowdies, the I-4 Derby will be played out on Saturday October 22nd at Seminole Soccer Complex with a local kickoff time of 7PM.
Orlando City B coaches Anthony Pulis and Rob Valentino will take to the field in this special occasion whereby “notable alumni” from both sides will be involved.
Final Camping World Stadium fixture versus D.C. United
Orlando City SC also announced that the club’s final Major League Soccer fixture against D.C. United on Sunday October 23rd will include a “where we came from” theme.
As part of the festivities, USL championship performances, memorable goals from Orlando City SC‘s two seasons in Major League Soccer and recognition of personalities from the Orlando City Alumni Association will all give Camping World Stadium the send off it deserves.
The end of an era. Join us for our final match at @CWStadium.https://t.co/PAPywsGBD1
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) October 13, 2016