The stage is set for yet another historic moment in Orlando City SC’s history. On Wednesday, the club announced it will open its third Major League Soccer season in its new soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando against New York City FC.
In the Lions’s first MLS season, it looked as if the visiting New York City would come away with a 1-0 victory. But Lions team captain Ricardo Kaká helped Orlando City draw with a stoppage-time, free-kick goal.
Since both expansion teams’ initial meeting, the Lions have had NYCFC’s number. Orlando City currently owns the overall record with a 3-1-2 record. Per the team’s press release, there have been 21 goals scored in six games. Kaká has scored three goals, 2015 MLS Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin scored has scored six, and 2016 MLS Most Valuable Player David Villa has scored three.
City’s new stadium has a capacity of 25,500 with 18,000 reserved for season-ticket holders. In the past two seasons, the Lions have attracted at least an average of 31,000 fans (second-most in MLS) in regular-season games.
Orlando’s first away game will be played against the new England Revolution on March 11.
