After surpassing ten-thousand season tickets sold, there was another significant moment Friday in the history of Orlando City Soccer Club. The team held its' first practice and first Media Day as an MLS franchise.
For the fifth year in a row, Orlando City opened up preseason camp...but for the first time they did so as a member of North America's top soccer division. The expansion Lions began their on-field Major League Soccer existence at their new Lake Sylvan Park training facility in Sanford.
After head coach Adrian Heath and his staff put the players through the paces, a media throng of nearly 100 got the chance to chat with the club's new additions, and catch up with those who have been in Orlando since the beginning.
“Well, it’s good to get back out here, and obviously the standard of play with the players in the team has risen, so I’m looking forward to the challenge this year,” said fifth year defender Luke Boden.
“A few years ago, people thought this was a pipe dream," explained Heath."But here we are this morning with the quality of player we have out there now, so it’s been a great day for us. I’m just glad we’re off and running and I can get back on the grass doing the thing I like best which is coaching players. It’s been a good first morning.“
As expected, designated player Kaka was the marquee attraction here on Friday. He fielded questions from the media for over thirty minutes, and in three different languages.
“It’s our first training. Everybody is happy, motivated and willing to so something special so I hope we can take this motivation and improve the game and be happy and enjoy the game,“ said the Brazilian superstar.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year and his new mates are scheduled to open the MLS season March 8th at the Citrus Bowl against fellow expansion side New York City FC, provided a new collective bargaining agreement is made in time between Major League Soccer and its' Players Association.