Orlando City SC
The Lions of Orlando
Orlando City Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club based in Orlando, Florida. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Owned by Zygi, Leonard, and Mark Wilf, it is the sister club of the National Women's Soccer League's Orlando Pride and MLS Next Pro's Orlando City B. The team plays its home games in downtown Orlando at Inter.co Stadium, which is owned and operated by the club.
- character
- Regional Rivalry
- Affiliation
- MLS Eastern Conference
- First meets
- 2015 MLS Season
- Status
- Active and Competitive
- Key_venue_factor
- High attendance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium
Lore & Background
Originally a United Soccer League (USL) club, Orlando City was founded in 2010 by Stoke City F.C. board member Phil Rawlins. The team played as a charter member of the USL Pro, winning three Commissioner's Cups and two league championships in its first four seasons. The victories led to a successful bid to enter MLS, debuting in its 2015 season alongside New York City FC. Since its purchase by the Wilf family in 2021, the club has qualified twice for the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022.
In Their Own Story
The 2025 Leagues Cup offered a distinct challenge for Orlando City, running from July 29 to August 31. Qualification for this tournament was earned through on-field performance in the previous year, specifically by reaching the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs. This achievement underscored the continuity of the club's competitive status leading into the new season. Meanwhile, the domestic schedule faced a significant interruption; regular MLS action halted from June 15 to 24 to prioritize the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. These events dictated the rhythm of the season, creating a mid-summer break that separated the early campaign from the second half of the year.
Reader's Guide
The team hosts its home games at Inter.co Stadium in downtown Orlando. The club's first MLS game was at the Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015, against New York City FC, drawing 1–1 in front of 62,510 fans. Key historical figures include first Designated Player Kaká, rookie record-holder Cyle Larin, and head coaches Adrian Heath and Jason Kreis.
Did You Know?
- Orlando City won the USL Pro championship in 2011 and 2013.
- Kaká was the team's first Designated Player, signed in 2014.
- The club's USL Pro license was acquired by Wayne Estopinal in 2014 to found Louisville City FC.
- Orlando City won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Orlando City SC in relation to Atlanta United?
Orlando City SC serves as Atlanta United's primary regional rival within the MLS Eastern Conference. The two clubs first faced each other on the pitch during the 2017 MLS season, establishing a competitive dynamic that continues today.
How often do these teams play against one another?
As active conference rivals, they meet regularly throughout the MLS regular season and occasionally cross paths in cup competitions like the U.S. Open Cup or Leagues Cup.
What makes this rivalry significant for fans?
The matchup draws high attendance at both Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium due to the intense geographic proximity of Florida and Georgia supporters. This shared regional identity fuels a passionate atmosphere whenever the teams clash.
How does the 2025 schedule impact their rivalry games?
In 2025, league play pauses in mid-June for global tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, which can shift the timing of their scheduled meetings. Despite this break, both clubs remain active across three major competitions that year.
Is this rivalry considered friendly or hostile?
The relationship is defined as an active and competitive regional rivalry rather than a purely friendly encounter. Fans on both sides view these matches as crucial tests of their club's standing in the Eastern Conference.
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