VIDEO: Eastern Florida Soccer Complex Home To Orlando City Soccer USL Team

By  //  October 16, 2015

ABOVE VIDEO: “We continue to build a top organization as we march toward our return to USL in 2016,” said OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis. (SpaceCoastDaily Video)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Orlando City Soccer Club today announced that its highly anticipated United Soccer League (USL) team will be called Orlando City B and play its home games at Eastern Florida State College’s Titan Soccer Complex on the Melbourne campus.

The multi-year agreement between Orlando City and EFSC will allow the team – named OCB for short – to extend Orlando City’s brand to Brevard County and Florida’s east coast.

Season tickets for 2016 go on sale today for Orlando City’s MLS Season Ticket Members, and will be available to the general public on Oct. 20.

Fans can visit www.OrlandoCityB.com for more information.

The Titan Soccer Complex, which is home to the college’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s soccer teams, will seat 3,500 fans for OCB’s matches.

(EFSC Image)
(EFSC Image)

Orlando City and EFSC will bring in temporary seating to complement the permanent grandstand on the west side of the field. There will be seating on the north, west and south sides of the pitch, including a dedicated supporter section.

The Club expects the environment to be as electric and exciting as has been seen for MLS matches, with a contingent of local supporters on hand to cheer on their club each and every game.

“Orlando City has captured the soccer world in Central Florida, drawing a half-million fans to Orlando for Major League Soccer action, and many of those fans live right here in Brevard County,” said Eastern Florida President Dr. Jim Richey.

Jim Richey
Jim Richey

“With Orlando City’s USL team playing at the college, we will get to showcase our first class Titan Soccer Complex and intend to deliver an amazing fan experience.

“We have worked diligently the past few years to bring partnerships such as these to the college, which help drive the local economy and foster greater awareness of our institution.

“In addition, this specific partnership creates potential opportunities for our students through internships during the events.”

An analysis prepared for Brevard County’s Office of Tourism indicated the USL team’s games and related soccer events will provide an estimated $2.16 million economic boost to the Space Coast economy. That includes about 21,600 nights of room rentals a year for local hotels, including lodging for visiting teams and for fans.

ABOVE VIDEO: Tim Holt addresses the media on the new partnership between Eastern Florida State and Orlando City. (SpaceCoastDaily Video)

Said Orlando City Vice President of Business Development Tim Holt:

Tim Holt
Tim Holt

“Today, marks a significant step forward for Orlando City B. First of all we are excited for our partnership with Eastern Florida State College. They have a first-class facility that will make a great home for OCB and a thrilling venue for our fans. Melbourne and greater Brevard County are home to a large number of Orlando City supporters.

“Having our team play there will give fans greater access to professional soccer and extend Orlando City’s brand across Central Florida. Our team will also bring significant economic impact to the region given the seven-month season.”

Anthony Pulis
Anthony Pulis

“We continue to build a top organization as we march toward our return to USL in 2016,” said OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis.

“To finally have our crest and name, along with our new home for next season, checks off a number of major milestones for the team.

“In addition, signing our first players, defenders Mikey Ambrose and Kyle Callan-McFadden, as well as midfielder Tony Rocha – talented footballers with a very bright future – allows us start to build the framework of our roster for next year. We look forward to future updates on the team in the coming weeks and months.”

Here are some highlights about the Orlando City Soccer Club:

One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the only MLS team in Florida, Orlando City Soccer Club has developed a rich history and passionate following in its short existence since starting in the USL in 2011.

ABOVE VIDEO: Oliver Twelvetrees caught up with SpaceCoastDaily to talk about the new pro sports team and his team’s success this year. (SpaceCoastDaily Video)

Oliver Twelvetrees
Oliver Twelvetrees

“I think it’s fantastic because a lot of people on the Space Coast have been going over to Orlando, including me, and enjoying the experience and the team,” said EFSC head soccer coach Oliver Twelvetrees.

“Now, to have it in our hometown is brilliant. There is going  to be some top class players, young and more experienced.”

“It’s also great for the young kids in the community to have quality soccer in their neighborhood. It can only be beneficial for the players and fans to have pro soccer in Brevard County,” said Twelvetrees.

The Lions’ first team set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22). During that time, the Lions won three regular season titles and two postseason championships.

In MLS, the team draws an average of over 32,202 fans per home game – including 62,500 for its home opener – and has become the fastest team in MLS history to draw a half million fans. In addition, the team is currently near the top of the league in social media followers.

Orlando City Players Prep For Crucial Match Vs. NYCRelated Story:
Orlando City Players Prep For Crucial Match Vs. NYC

Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its brand overseas as its matches are broadcast in 120 countries and in 30 languages.

OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.

For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com, www.OrlandoCityB.com, www.OrlandoCityYouth.org and www.OrlandoCitySC.com/Foundation.com