I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never really been a fan of international football, it’s not something I ever understood growing up so I ignored the sport. Growing up in central Florida people were much more into the American version of football, as a result I fell in love with it and chose that as my path athletically. Taking that into account, I have learned to enjoy what’s known as the most popular sport in the world, although I’ll admit that having a great team somewhat local has helped me in that decision.
Right now there’s a massive push in the United States toward supporting our boys as they compete for the World Cup in South America. While the majority of people will concede that the likelihood of the United States Men’s National Team winning the cup is very slim, they haven’t given up hope. The US team is likely years away from being a true threat to win the World Cup, but with the increase in the popularity of Major League Soccer there’s a chance that we could field a great team by the next go around.
One of the hottest teams in the United Soccer League over the past few years has been the semi-local team here, the Orlando City Lions. From the moment they burst onto the scene they’ve been a force to be reckoned with, and as a result they’ve taken a city that is known for being rather lax on sports teams by storm. This team came in from day one with the intention of being winners and going down as great champions, to this point I don’t think anyone could argue they’re anything less.
This little team that could has been on a tear and you don’t get much better than what they’ve been able to accomplish, which is why they’ve earned the right to become the next Major League Soccer expansion franchise. The step that got the expansion team offered was the amazing 20,000 fan attendance for the championship game last year, and the city approving an international football specific stadium in Orlando, even after the State refused to approve the funding.
Landing an MLS franchise was huge and the addition of the new stadium in Downtown Orlando will be great, but it seemed as if there were one thing missing from the equation. That all changed with the addition of the first true Superstar for the Orlando City Lions MLS roster for next year, bringing in international star Kaka. Once again, I will admit I knew nothing of the man as I’ve never followed to sport closely, but looking at everything I can find on him this appears to be a massive move.
I’m looking forward to the debut of the latest Major League Soccer franchise next season, even planning to attend a few games, having a megastar on the pitch will just be icing on the cake. For the first time in forever the city of Orlando has a winner to look forward to, a sports franchise to be proud of, and it’s about time. Thanks to Founder and President Phil Rawlins and Head Coach Adrian Heath for bringing the team and Daniel Dennis for making them a household name in central Florida, I look forward to having someone to cheer as I wade into the MLS waters.
