Back to Back Home Wins Sees Orlando City Strengthen MLS Claim
Two vital home wins over the weekend saw Orlando City Soccer move 7 points clear at the top of USL PRO 2013. The wins also strengthened their claims for an MLS place as the club recorded their 25th consecutive regular season home game without defeat. It seems that no-one can match Orlando City over the last three years and it is now becoming increasingly apparent that the club needs to move up a notch to really be tested and to continue to improve.
On Friday, the Lions recorded a 2-0 win over Phoenix with goals from Jamie Watson and Dom Dwyer and last night the pair repeated their double act over Antigua Barracuda in a similar 2-0 scoreline. Ahead of last nights game, the club played host to local dignitaries including a State Senator and various County and City Commissioners. It was also a chance for City’s latest recruit Brett Lashbrook, who previously served as special assistant to Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber, to get to know all the people the club is relying on to help spearhead their MLS bid. Lashbrook spent the last seven years at MLS’ headquarters in New York City, working closely alongside Garber and MLS President Mark Abbott. Notably, Lashbrook was heavily involved with MLS’ recently completed New York City expansion project, including negotiation and planning for construction of a proposed new soccer stadium.
Lashbrook, pictured above right with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, will officially join the Orlando front office today, June 10. His primary duties will be to assist Orlando City’s ownership group in finalizing plans for a new soccer stadium and negotiating a MLS expansion agreement, as the Lions pursue their goal of bringing MLS to Central Florida by 2015.
“I want to thank the entire Orlando City ownership group for this exciting opportunity,” said Lashbrook. “The foundation they’ve already established is truly impressive – from the number of fans in the stands, the results on the field and the community’s demonstrated enthusiasm for the MLS project. I’m excited to join the team as we all work toward even greater future success.”
“I’m delighted that someone with Brett’s pedigree is joining the team,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins, pictured above left. “It speaks volumes about the potential of Orlando City as a MLS team – and further demonstrates how committed we are to joining MLS. Brett’s deep knowledge of MLS, including his recent work regarding MLS stadium projects and expansion efforts, will prove invaluable as our organization looks to continue our rapid growth.”
More photos from both games and the VIP reception at FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
