The MLS SuperDraft is the most exciting event in the lives of every young North American college soccer player.
With Rounds 1, 2 and 3 of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft getting underway this Friday (December 20), Orlando City UK took this moment to reflect on how Orlando City SC’s annual picks have fared since our inaugural 2015 season. Continue reading
Drink it in and savour the moment, folks! Orlando City SC have reached their first-ever Eastern Conference Final. This is all thanks to last Sunday’s well-deserved 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Atlanta United. On a historic night to remember at Inter&Co Stadium, the Lions needed no luck to send The Five Stripes packing. Holding our nerve, we delivered a statement performance that put the ‘L’ in Atlanta. It was a landmark triumph that sent a clear message to the rest of Major League Soccer – “We ready”! Bless Atlanta United’s hearts because deep down, they know we are the true football kings of the Southeastern United States!
The type of night that doesn’t come around too often, last Sunday helped cap what was undoubtedly the best-ever weekend in Orlando’s sporting legacy. Last Saturday, Orlando Pride made history, triumphantly winning the 2024 NWSL Championship with a gritty 1-0 victory over Washington Spirit in Kansas City. This followed their 2024 NWSL Shield win just 48 days earlier. Being the first professional team to win a major league title for The City Beautiful, the Pride set the tone for Orlando City SC’s own historic 1-0 victory the next evening. Considering Barbra Banda (37 minutes) and Ramiro Enrique’s (39 minutes) goals were just two minutes apart – across the same weekend – perhaps the stars are truly aligning? Could 2024 be the year where Orlando Pride and Orlando City SC BOTH win U.S. Soccer’s biggest domestic prizes? We sure hope it pans out this way!
While City’s 1-0 scoreline over Atlanta United may not sound commanding, the Lions’ performance was super mature. We were hungry, controlled, and virtually untroubled throughout the entire 90+7 minutes. Orlando City SC were so composed and determined that you had to wonder: was this really the team that had just eliminated Lionel Messi and Inter Miami? As you know, Orlando always welcomes tourists, and for the travelling Atlanta United supporters scattered around Inter&Co Stadium, we hope they enjoyed their latest visit to the Sunshine State! Now, having finally won an Eastern Conference Semi-Final at the third attempt, Orlando City SC are just 180+ minutes away from the ultimate prize: 2024 MLS Cup glory!
With Inter Miami (#1 in East), defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew (#2 in East), and Los Angeles FC (#1 in West) already eliminated, we’ll never have a better opportunity to win MLS Cup – plain and simple! It truly has been one of, if not the most unpredictable MLS Cup Playoffs of all-time. Next up though, the Lions face Sandro Schwarz’s New York Red Bulls. While many favourites have already fallen, Red Bulls are still a top-quality, tough opponent, and can never be taken lightly. Playing the gritty Red Bulls way, their super high press, aggression, and intensity make them a dangerous opponent, season in and season out. Should we prevail, the reward is monumental – a trip out west to battle either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in 2024 MLS Cup itself! Having now gone further than any Orlando City SC side has before, this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – so let’s make it count! Continue reading
Today, we’re celebrating our ninth birthday here at Orlando City UK with our Official International Fan Club of Orlando City SC established nine years ago.
Reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs for a fifth consecutive season, Oscar Pareja has Orlando City SC in their third-ever Eastern Conference Semi-Final.
And ever since February 25, our loyal UK supporters have watched every kick live on Apple TV this side of the Atlantic. Continue reading
It’s crunch time, Orlando! The 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and our season all comes down to this – game three. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Orlando City SC prepare to battle Charlotte FC one final time in our Round One Best-of-3 Series. With everything riding on a victory at Inter&Co Stadium, this is our moment to rally and remind the league who we are.
Last Friday’s penalty shootout defeat in Charlotte was a tough pill to swallow. A 40,000-strong crowd at Bank of America Stadium roared on the home team as they narrowly escaped with their first-ever MLS playoff win. Despite a hard-fought 90+11 minutes, our Lions couldn’t find the net, and the shootout heroics we’d relied on for years failed to materialise. Charlotte FC’s goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, was the hero of the night, denying us twice from the spot with The Crown winning 3-1 from 12 yards.
But what’s done is done, and it’s all eyes on the present. Ultimately, Orlando City SC now have the chance to flip the script and seal our third-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. We expect a larger crowd to pack out Inter&Co Stadium compared to game one, and in a high-stakes atmosphere, our Lions need to come out firing. On a do or die night, there’s no room for passive play, like in game two! It’s time to be bold and take the game to Charlotte FC, leaving no doubt about our intent to advance.
We secured home advantage for moments just like this, and having broken our club record for single-season goals (59), we have the firepower to make it count. With the roar of our people behind us in the 407, there’s no room for anything less than a full team effort. Let’s show we’re #AllTeeth and ready to go all the way. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading
It’s that time of year again, folks! Buckle up for a bumpy ride because the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are here, and Orlando City SC are gearing up for what we all hope is ultimate 2024 MLS Cup glory! Could this finally be our year? By appearing in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs as fourth seed in the East, Orlando City SC are one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons – an impressive feat achieved every single year under Oscar Pareja’s leadership. Things were all looking rosy prior to October’s FIFA international break. However, Papi’s men enter the playoffs with a seed of doubt in their minds following a disappointing 1-2 loss to Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium on 2024 MLS Decision Day.
I know what you’re thinking. It was only our third defeat in 14 MLS matches, with New York City FC’s 2-0 defeat at CF Montréal securing us fourth place and home field advantage anyway. But I couldn’t help feeling frustrated. We missed a chance to end the regular season on a high note, failing to eliminate our fierce rivals on our home turf, despite referee Rubiel Vazquez’s harsh intervention, but we’ll get to that later. Maybe I’m overreacting, but I believe it was a missed opportunity to solidify a battle-ready mindset for the post-season.
Now the playoffs are here, it’s time to puff out our chests and forget last weekend. In this year’s Round One Best-of-3 Series, Orlando City SC will face Charlotte FC and not New York City FC who we all expected. In truth, avoiding a game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field is probably a blessing! Reflecting on the 2024 MLS regular season, Orlando City SC scored 59 goals, breaking our club record (55 in 2023 and 2016) for the most goals in a single season. We’re also unbeaten against Charlotte FC this year, drawing 2-2 at Bank of America Stadium on June 19 before defeating The Crown 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium on September 18. Having only ever lost once to the Mint City side (2-0-1) in Central Florida, our home advantage will make us favourites to progress, but make no mistake – Charlotte FC are no mugs.
Going 14-9-11 in Dean Smith’s inaugural season as Charlotte FC head coach, The Crown ended upon on 51 points in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind Orlando City SC (52). Finishing the MLS regular season with three straight victories, Charlotte FC will be feeling mighty confident. However, having only contested just one MLS Wild Card match (2023) before, game one will be Charlotte FC’s first playoff game proper. Sure, Orlando City SC have the most wins (10) and most points (31) in MLS since July 1, making us Major League Soccer’s most in-form team heading into the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. But we all know about the elephant in the room!
Rash decisions, hot-headedness, and allowing our emotions to get the better of us in the playoffs when it’s previously mattered most. Believe me; I’m still haunted by Mauricio Pereyra’s 2020 red card against New England Revolution and Rodrigo Schlegel’s 2023 red card against Columbus Crew, and not just because it’s almost Halloween! Orlando City SC really need to prove they’ve truly learned from these past mistakes. Ultimately, Orlando City SC supporters will not tolerate overly reckless or kamikaze performances, both individually and collectively, this time around. It’s time to show we’re #AllTeeth, and deliver that elusive MLS Cup that our city demands and craves. Let’s do this thing. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading
Orlando City SC are primed and ready as we head into 2024 MLS Decision Day! Following our impressive 1-3 victory against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on October 5, the Lions have put themselves in a really strong position to secure a coveted fourth-placed (top four) finish in the Eastern Conference. Prior to the international break, our crucial 1-3 win at FC Cincinnati not only capped off our final away fixture of the regular season but also showcased our remarkable resilience and tactical discipline. Ramiro Enrique was the star of the night, netting a brace to propel him to eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, while Iván Angulo added another to underline City’s offensive prowess.
With this victory, Orlando City SC reached 58 goals this 2024 MLS regular season, surpassing our club record (55 in 2023 and 2016) for the most goals in a single season – a testament to the attacking dynamism of this team. Currently sitting on 52 points from 33 matches, the Lions are firmly in control of their destiny, with a golden opportunity to seal that fourth-placed finish against fierce rivals Atlanta United at Inter&Co Stadium. Quite simply, a City victory on 2024 MLS Decision Day will guarantee home field advantage in the Round One Best-of-3 Series of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. After our stellar performance at FC Cincinnati, we’ve extended our remarkable run to 10 wins in 13 MLS matches since July 1, making us Major League Soccer’s most in-form team heading into Gameweek 34 and the post-season.
With New York City FC hot on our heels, just two points behind us, we know that any slip-up could prove fatal. The Pigeons visit CF Montréal on 2024 MLS Decision Day, with the Canadian side also vying to secure their own spot in the Eastern Conference MLS Wild Card match. Since Orlando City SC are now unrecognisable from the team that lost 2-0 at Atlanta United back in March, there would be nothing sweeter than putting an immediate end to The Five Stripes’ slim playoff aspirations. Given the fierce Florida-Georgia rivalry and the added pressure, Orlando City SC must harness the momentum from our recent successes and deliver a standout performance in this high-stakes fixture.
As we prepare for this defining match, the Lions are more than capable of rising to the occasion. With the remarkable attacking talent of Facundo Torres and the continued brilliance of Ramiro Enrique, Orlando City SC are not only aiming for a top four finish but also looking to set the stage for what we hope will be our deepest playoff run yet. All eyes are now on 2024 MLS Decision Day, so let’s make it count. Vamos Orlando! 😈 Continue reading
On Saturday, Orlando City SC showcased their resilience, bouncing back from our 4-3 defeat at Columbus Crew with an impressive 1-3 victory at FC Dallas. This win not only secured the Lions’ place in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. It also marked the fifth consecutive season that Oscar Pareja has successfully guided Orlando City SC into the post-season – an accomplishment achieved every single year under his leadership! Truly, his track record speaks volumes, and it’s moments like these that remind us just how valuable his experience and vision have been.
Beyond this milestone, the victory was also historic, as it represented the first-ever time that Orlando City SC have won (and scored) away at FC Dallas. Goals from Ramiro Enrique, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Facundo Torres ensured a memorable night in Frisco, Texas. Ultimately, it was a performance that showcased both the depth and determination of the squad, underlining our intent to make a deep run in this year’s playoffs.
City currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with 46 points from 31 games played. For now, the Lions have reclaimed that all-important home field advantage for the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, with teams like New York City FC and New York Red Bulls still hot on our heels, our final three MLS regular season fixtures will be crucial. As Orlando City SC continue their quest for a top four finish, Pareja’s proven leadership will be more essential than ever.
As for Wednesday’s opponents Philadelphia Union, they’ve had a surprisingly underwhelming 2024 season by their usual high standards. Currently playing catch-up, they sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and occupy the final MLS Wild Card match slot, but only by goal difference. Jim Curtin’s side arrive at Inter&Co Stadium following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United on Saturday where Saba Lobjanidze’s equaliser cancelled out Nathan Harriel’s well-taken opener. This was Union’s first draw in eight MLS games, but they’ve still managed to win five of their last eight in a late push for the playoffs.
Given Oscar Pareja’s combined 20 years at FC Dallas as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Toyota Stadium was a special venue for Papi to secure post-season qualification with his new passion, Orlando City SC. By clinching our spot in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, Orlando City SC have become one of just three active MLS teams to reach the post-season in five consecutive seasons. I mean, should we ever doubt Papi in the regular season? With this mission accomplished, our focus now shifts to sealing a top four finish and building confidence ahead of another post-season challenge. In past years, rash decisions, hot-headedness, and red cards have been our downfall, so all eyes will be on Orlando City SC to see if we’ve truly learned from previous shortcomings in the playoffs. Continue reading
Drafted 6th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, star striker and USMNT player Duncan McGuire has now signed a new contract through 2027 with a club option in 2028. This keeps Big Dunc at Inter&Co Stadium for at least the next three-and-a-bit seasons. Should McGuire move on during this period, at least the Lions can now command a higher fee for him.
A story first broken by Tom Bogert on August 14, McGuire’s new deal has been music to City supporters’ ears. A hugely popular player and undoubtedly one of the best players Orlando City SC have ever drafted, McGuire will not be moving to Europe as many expected. Instead, he will now stay in Central Florida to help the Lions try and achieve their MLS Cup dreams! Continue reading
Linked with Orlando City SC since early August, the Lions have today announced the signing of central midfielder Heine Gikling Bruseth from Kristiansund. Joining MLS as a U22 Initiative player, the 20-year-old has signed a contract through 2026 at Inter&Co Stadium for a fee believed to be worth €1.7 million including bonuses.
On August 7, it seemed the deal had fallen through when Tom Bogert tweeted that “Orlando could not agree a fee”. Despite Kristiansund rejecting several offers from the Lions, the Orlando City SC Front Office persisted in negotiations and ultimately secured their target. In a quiet MLS Secondary Transfer Window, Norway Under-21 international Bruseth will now bring more natural balance to City’s central midfield with his left footed play. Continue reading
Today, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert tweeted that Orlando City SC have rejected a bid of around $8 million from Red Star Belgrade for our Designated Player, Facundo Torres.
A story first reported by Adam Leventhal of The Athletic, Bogert tweeted he: “Would assume that’s not close to Orlando’s valuation” with Alonso Contreras tweeting that El Cuervo’s preference is a transfer to either La Liga or the Premier League. Continue reading
