With Orlando City SC now into their seventh Major League Soccer season, the Lions already have an abundance of loyal and passionate supporters spread up and down the United Kingdom.
Becoming an Orlando City UK member in August 2020, Leicester City and Orlando City SC fan Ollie Griffiths is the latest to tell his story about why the Lions were the MLS team for him.
Why did you choose to follow Orlando City SC?
It was a bit of a weird one for me if I’m honest. I had some free time on my hands and was looking for some football to watch. Then I noticed that Sky Sports were showing Orlando City SC vs New York City FC – our inaugural fixture at Exploria Stadium.
I tuned in, hoping to learn more about MLS as a league but what I found was something much deeper.
Now, I had no idea about either team at the time. My brother was watching the game with me and, strangely, we flipped a coin to see who each of us would support in the game.
Crazy isn’t it – a four-year journey as an Orlando City SC supporter started with a coin toss! I’ve never looked back since then.
What is your favourite thing about Orlando City SC?
I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the community spirit within the club and the fanbase. That is something that, even now, still gives me goosebumps.
Aside from that, the atmosphere at Exploria Stadium (and Camping World Stadium beforehand) just blows my mind.
As a football fan in England, I live for away games. It’s because the atmosphere is generally so much better than home games.
But in Orlando City SC‘s case – probably due to the travelling required for away games – the noise, originality of songs and just general vibes from The Wall make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!
Do you think there is good access to following Orlando City SC in the UK?
Honestly, the popularity of the Orlando City UK Official International Fan Club blew my mind.
At first, I was definitely a casual supporter. But over time, that love and bond just kept growing and I was definitely hoping for some like-minded people over here.
Then I found Orlando City UK, signed up for a membership, and the rest is history!
Social media has obviously been imperative to that and I’ve met some great UK-based Orlando City SC fans through Orlando City UK.
Who are your favourite Orlando City SC players, past and present?
I feel that I’m definitely in the minority here, but man did I love Dom Dwyer.
Whether that was down to the fact that he was born and bred in the UK, I don’t know, but the impact that man made at Orlando City SC can’t be overstated.
Ultimately, Dom Dwyer‘s goals in USL were integral to putting Orlando City SC on the map ahead of becoming an MLS side.
Currently, I think it’s a tight call between Silvester van der Water and Chris Mueller.
I love goalscoring wingers and both players have great attributes that mean they contribute so much to our side.
I just can’t wait to see Silvester van der Water get more game time because personally, I think he’s our long-term replacement for Nani.
Where do you think Orlando City SC will finish in 2021?
The starting point has to be qualifying for the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Building off the back of an incredibly successful, albeit strange, 2020 season; if we weren’t to make the playoffs it would be incredibly disheartening and disappointing.
I actually think we’ll finish in the top four of the Eastern Conference.
Oscar Pareja has us playing organised but effective soccer and we’re defensively solid too.
If we can minimise injury issues, I see no reason that we can’t go deep into the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs either.
Is this team ready for MLS Cup? – I’m not so sure. But, that’s part of the thrill isn’t it – the potential.
What is your favourite memory following Orlando City SC?
Without a doubt, my first visit to Exploria Stadium in September 2019 when Orlando City SC faced New England Revolution.
The game itself was an incredible 3-3 draw. Although our playoff hopes were all but ended that night, I will never ever forget the positive atmosphere that flowed through The Wall.
I was lucky enough to join the Ruckus on their pre-match march to the stadium too. This made the day even more special.
If you were to recruit more people to support Orlando City SC, what would you tell them?
I’d probably tell them that if they want instant gratification of winning trophies, then look elsewhere.
Orlando City SC‘s redeeming qualities and features, in my eyes, are the journey we’ve been on.
It took us five years in MLS to make the playoffs. Some may see that as a long time. However, I view it as a natural progression from being a newly-formed franchise to potentially becoming future MLS Cup / Supporters’ Shield winners.
We’re an incredible family and community-oriented club, and you really feel part of something.
Whether you’re following via social media or standing on The Wall, there is NOTHING like Orlando City SC.
Ollie Griffiths
Orlando City UK Member