The following couple of weeks are truly going to decide Orlando's aspirations toward the MLS. Let's check out this week's OC 3.
3) Toronto FC – As a refresher, Orlando City placed third in last year’s Disney Pro Soccer Classic by defeating Toronto FC 1-0. The win marked Orlando’s second win over an MLS team (previously Philadelphia). Ian Fuller scored the lone goal in the win, bending a low shot into an open net around the 77th minute to give Orlando third place in the PSC. How will Toronto play against Orlando on Saturday? How much of last year’s match does the Canadian team remember? Orlando’s goal is to win the tournament. How hard Toronto’s going to push in their opening match against City, we’ll have to see.
2) Chance for more major-league competition- In the press-conference after Saturday’s match against Philadelphia, Max Griffin commented on well Orlando City plays against MLS teams. “I feel like it shows all MLS teams that we mean business and we know how to play, and that’s exactly what our Lions team did.” Playing MLS sides gets Orlando that much more prepared for the regular season, which starts in April. The more experience, the better.
1) MLS – Commissioner Don Garber will be here on March 1 for a fan forum at Mojo Bar and Grill to openly talk to Orlando fans and discuss City as a future expansion market. March 1 marks one of the biggest dates for Orlando in its young history, as City fans get to express to Garber why Orlando would be the best pick for team No. 20. This is time for you, the fans, to come out and tell the commissioner why Orlando should and will be the next MLS franchise. I think the following quote from the Tina Pane Wellman sums it up best.
“Let the team, the front office, the corporate sponsors, the investors and the City of Orlando do their part, and we will do ours.”
Doors open at Mojo Bar and Grill at 11:30 a.m., with events starting around 12:30 p.m.
