Orlando City SC today announced it has named renowned sporting executive and former General Director of S.L. Benfica’s Academy, Armando Carneiro, as the Club’s Chief Soccer Officer effective immediately, pending approval from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). (Orlando City Image)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Orlando City SC today announced it has named renowned sporting executive and former General Director of S.L. Benfica’s Academy, Armando Carneiro, as the Club’s Chief Soccer Officer effective immediately, pending approval from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In this new role, Carneiro, 53, will serve as head of competition, overseeing all of soccer operations and staff for the Club’s three professional teams–Orlando City SC in MLS, the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Orlando City B in the United Soccer League (USL)–along with Orlando City’s Youth Academy.
He will report to Club Founder and President Phil Rawlins.
Phil Rawlins
“Our goal is to be one of the best Clubs in the world, both in the men’s and women’s games. Therefore it is imperative that we bring in someone with worldwide soccer experience to guide our success,” said Rawlins.
“Armando has a wealth of experience in international soccer. We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone with his track-record to join our organization and to help us move Orlando City to the next level in the global soccer scheme.”
Armando Carneiro
“Orlando City is at a very exciting stage, coming off a strong first year in MLS and with the launch of the Orlando Pride and OCB teams,” said Carneiro.
“I am excited for the opportunity to help direct the growth and contribute to the overall success of the Club well into the future. I look forward to working with the entire technical staff – from the first team through the academy – to further strengthen Orlando City’s performance.”
From 2010-2015, Benfica’s Academy grew in prominence under the direction of Carneiro, achieving:
– 30 Youth championships
– 40 International youth tournaments
– 55 Current national team players across all age groups
– Currently ranked as top three academy programs worldwide
Following a historic inaugural MLS season, the Lions travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take on one of the most celebrated and successful clubs in the Brazilian Série A, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo on Nov. 15. The match will be streamed live on www.OrlandoCitySC.com.
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About Orlando City Soccer Club: With three major professional teams, Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) has established itself as one of the preeminent Clubs in professional soccer.
One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the only MLS team in Florida, the Lions have developed a rich history and passionate following since starting in the USL in 2011. In their inaugural MLS season, Orlando City set a league record for an expansion team, drawing an average of 32,847 fans per home game – including 62,500 in the home opener – and became the fastest team in MLS history to host a half million fans. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its global brand as its matches are broadcast in 120 countries and in 30 languages.
The Orlando Pride, OCSC’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise, will begin league play in 2016 – bringing professional women’s soccer to Orlando for the first time. The team is led by renowned Head Coach Tom Sermanni, former manager for the Australian and U.S. women’s national teams.
Orlando City B (OCB) participates in the USL beginning in the 2016 season. The team plays its home matches at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla. OCB continues the Club’s rich history in the rapidly growing league. From 2011 to 2014, Orlando City set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22), winning three regular season titles and two postseason championships.
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.
