Most definitely a yearly ritual for us, Orlando City UK are thrilled to announce we are visiting Orlando for a fifth successive year next month.
A much shorter trip for us this time round, I’ll be making the two-and-a-half hour flight down from Toronto, Canada to experience Orlando City SC‘s 2020 home opener against Real Salt Lake on February 29.
With The City Beautiful being our second home, I will be visiting The Sunshine State between Friday February 28th and Friday March 6th, 2020.
If you guys want to find out more about Orlando City UK or simply want to chat all things Orlando City SC, look out for me at the Lions’ 2020 home opener at Exploria Stadium.
- Saturday February 29th – Orlando City SC vs Real Salt Lake (6pm kickoff – U.S.)
It’s 2016 all over again!
So far in Major League Soccer, all six of Orlando City SC‘s opening fixtures have been scheduled at home, first at the Citrus Bowl and then Exploria Stadium.
Even more remarkably, the Lions have only faced three opponents in home openers, each of New York City FC (2015, 2017, 2019), D.C. United (2018) and Real Salt Lake (2016).
A case of 2016 all over again, 2020’s game against Freddy Juarez’s RSL would have to go some to match the sheer drama of the Claret and Cobalt’s first visit to Central Florida in March 2016.
Marking the first ever Orlando City SC game that Orlando City UK attended live, 94th and 95th minute strikes from Cyle Larin and Adrian Winter completed an incredible comeback from 0-2 down in a crazy finish that felt like a victory.
Who could forget? 😲😲
The last time @RealSaltLake visited @OrlandoCitySC, Adrian Winter’s 95th minute equaliser completed the most miraculous comeback! 👏🏽👏🏽
Peak #CardiacCats! 🦁#ORLvRSL #OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/yWG3m2qCCI
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) May 6, 2018
Familiar faces
Over the years, we’ve been amazed and overwhelmed by the level of respect and support shown to Orlando City UK during our visits and we’re thirsty for more.
Each and every year we visit, we’re thrilled to meet so many familiar faces, new lifelong friends and our Twitter followers in person for the first time.
The last time I visited Orlando was a flying visit for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game on July 31, 2019 but in truth, I’m delighted next month’s visit is for an Orlando City SC game proper.
This is a very soaked #OrlandoCityUK signing off! 😴
It’s an absolute pleasure visiting Florida. 💜 Fantastic being back at my beloved @OrlandoCitySC & seeing dear friends & followers! 😁
Thanks for saying hi & sorry if I didn’t catch you. Until next time! 👍🏽🦁#MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/DIma4YM6Qp
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 1, 2019
What can Orlando City UK followers expect from our trip?
Like we always do, Orlando City UK Twitter followers can look forward to plenty of pre-game, in-game and post-game footage from Orlando City SC‘s Exploria Stadium home.
We’ll also be conducting a video review of the brand new 2020 Orlando City SC away jersey that is set to be unveiled before the home opener.
Here is a video review of the 2019 Orlando City SC home jersey (#BringTheNoise) from last year.
KIT REVIEW 🎥 | Had a special delivery this morning! 📦😄
Time to take a close-up 👀 at the new 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ @OrlandoCitySC #BringTheNoise home jersey! 🔎🥁🔊🥁🔊⬇️
Thanks to @Sammy_Snakes for posting it up to Canada! 👍🏽✈️🇨🇦
Get yours here 🛍️: https://t.co/yuJwLlVZrW#FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/mpntsyEfQN
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) March 21, 2019
Our tenth LIVE Orlando City SC fixture
The forthcoming Real Salt Lake encounter will represent the eighth time I’ve watched a live Orlando City SC fixture.
So far, I’m delighted to say I boast a record of only witnessing one loss in person – the Lions’ 1-2 defeat to Adrian Heath‘s Minnesota United in March 2018.
Now soon to take in a tenth live Orlando City SC fixture when adding in two City games my Dad attended in May / June 2017, Orlando City UK remains as loyal and dedicated as ever in supporting the club we love.
Having experienced my first ever two Orlando City SC away games in Canada at Montreal Impact (June 2019) and Toronto FC (August 2019), I simply can’t wait to be back on home turf alongside you all!
I’m counting down the days. Aren’t you?
All that remains to say is see you soon, purple fam!
Vamos Orlando!
Taylor