ORLANDO – November 10, 2014 – Orlando City Soccer Club today announced former San Jose head coach and Canadian Men’s National Team defender Mark Watson, 44, has joined its coaching staff in advance of the Club’s Major League Soccer (MLS) debut.
Watson brings a wealth of MLS experience to Orlando City. During five years at San Jose, Watson helped guide the team to a playoff berth in 2010 and the club’s second Supporters’ Shield in 2012. He was named interim head coach in June 2013 and closed the season with the best record in MLS at 11-5-3.
Watson joins fellow Lions’ Assistant Coach Ian Fuller and Goalkeeper Coach Marcos Machado.
“As we continue to build our squad heading into our MLS debut, we are thrilled to add a coach of Mark’s caliber and experience to our staff,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “Mark’s expertise complements our existing technical staff and we look forward to his contributions as we continue to build and prepare the team for our MLS debut.”
“It’s a great opportunity to join Orlando City at such an important time,” said Watson. “I’m looking forward to working together with Coach Heath and the excellent staff he has in place to help the team launch a highly competitive2015 campaign.”
In addition to his MLS experience, Watson previously served as assistant coach with the Canadian Men’s National U-20 and senior teams, as well as several years as an assistant with the USL PRO Charleston Battery.
