When Did Orlando City Join MLS?

In November 2013, Orlando City SC became the 21st franchise to join Major League Soccer (MLS). The club was officially unveiled as one of the two expansion teams in January 2014 and began MLS play in March 2015.

The team was founded by Brazilian businessman Flávio Augusto da Silva, who purchased the then-USL Pro (now United Soccer League) club Orlando City SC in October 2013. The club was initially accepted as the 21st MLS franchise on November 19, 2013. The official announcement was made on November 21, 2013 that the team would become the league’s 21st franchise.

Orlando City SC made their MLS debut on March 8, 2015, against fellow expansion team New York City FC at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. The team went on to finish in seventh place in the Eastern Conference in their inaugural season, making the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The team was originally located in downtown Orlando but moved to their new home at the Orlando City Stadium in 2017. The stadium hosted its first game on March 5, 2017, in front of a sellout crowd of 25,527, as Orlando City SC beat New York City FC 1-0.

Since joining MLS, Orlando City SC has reached the MLS Cup Playoffs twice and won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2019. The team also plays in the U.S. Open Cup and the Concacaf Champions League.

The Origin Story Of Orlando City Joining MLS

Orlando City SC was founded in 2010 by businessman and philanthropist Phil Rawlins. The club began play in 2011 as the first team in the United Soccer League (USL).

In 2013, the team announced that it would be making the jump to Major League Soccer (MLS). The club began its inaugural MLS season in 2015. The team spent the previous two years in the USL Pro league, where it won two USL Pro titles and three regular-season championships.

Orlando City was one of the two expansion teams announced in November 2013 by Major League Soccer, joining New York City FC in 2015. The team was expected to make an immediate impact in MLS, and it did just that. The Lions finished second in the Eastern Conference and qualified for the playoffs in their first MLS season. They went on to reach the finals of the MLS Cup in their second season.

Since joining MLS, Orlando City SC has consistently been one of the league’s most popular teams. The club has had strong attendance figures, and their passionate fan base, known as The Wall, is one of the most loyal in MLS. They are known for having one of the loudest and most intense home atmospheres in the league.

In addition to their on-field success, Orlando City has also been active in the community. The team has a number of charity initiatives, such as their “Purple Patch” program, which helps provide supplies and mentorship to children in need.

Since joining MLS in 2015, Orlando City SC has established itself as one of the premier teams in the league. With their passionate fan base, strong on-field performances, and commitment to the community, the Lions have become one of the most popular teams in MLS.

Orlando City’s Journey To Become An MLS Team

Orlando City Soccer Club joined Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2015, becoming the 21st club to join the league.

The journey to achieve MLS status was filled with challenges, but ultimately Orlando City was successful in its goal. The process of becoming an MLS club took many years of hard work and dedication. In 2010, the team was granted a USL Pro franchise and the club went on to have success in this league, winning the regular season title in 2011 and 2013. This success helped build the foundation for Orlando City Soccer Club’s eventual move to Major League Soccer.

In 2013, the club announced its plans to join MLS and officially applied for membership to the league. After months of negotiations and discussions, Orlando City was awarded an MLS expansion franchise in October 2014. It was then that the club officially joined MLS, becoming the 21st team to join the league.

With the move to MLS, Orlando City had to make a number of changes. The team moved from the USL Pro to the MLS, and the club also had to make significant investments in infrastructure and personnel. The city of Orlando also contributed to the process, investing in a new stadium for the team.

The new stadium was a key factor in the team’s move to MLS. The 25,500-seat Orlando City Stadium was completed in 2017 and is now the home of Orlando City Soccer Club. The stadium has been a major success, and it has helped the team to create a unique atmosphere in the stadium.

Since joining MLS, Orlando City Soccer Club has seen success on the pitch. In 2016, the club made the MLS playoffs and has made the playoffs every year since then. The team has also had success in the US Open Cup, reaching the semifinals in 2017.

The journey to join Major League Soccer has been a long and difficult one, but it has been one that has been incredibly rewarding for the club and the city of Orlando. With their move to MLS, Orlando City Soccer Club has been able to build a successful team and stadium that has helped to create a unique atmosphere and experience for its fans.