Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Thursday, January 12, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club announced today the signing of forward Jamie Watson to a multi-year contract, pending USSF approval. Watson spent all last year with Orlando City, quickly becoming a fan favorite among Orlando’s faithful.
“There were a lot of factors that made me re-sign, the first being the overall success of the club last year and second being the fans,” said Watson. “Everything added up to where it made sense to stay in Orlando. I wanted to make a commitment to the club and the fans. Orlando is now home for me.”
Watson spent all last year on the Orlando City squad, scoring a total of eight goals in the regular season. He also totaled three assists for City in 2011. Watson started 22 matches last season, including all three playoff games held at the Florida Citrus Bowl. He first appeared for Orlando in their inaugural match against Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union on Feb. 17, 2011.
Watson began his professional career as a member of Generation Adidas. In 2005, he was drafted by Real Salt Lake of the MLS as the 13th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He spent three seasons with RSL, making 38 appearances and scoring two goals. Watson signed with the Austin Aztex U-23s in 2008 before joining FC Dallas (MLS). After one year with FC Dallas, Watson signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL PRO, earning All-League and MVP honors in his first season. He then signed with the Austin Aztex in 2009, who have since become Orlando City Soccer Club.
A fan favorite, Watson regularly attends community events and interacts with Orlando fans after matches and appearances.
“It’s great news that Jamie has re-signed with Orlando City,” said Kay Rawlins, Director of Community Relations. “He is such an asset off the field as well as on, helping in lots of our community outreach, quickly developing a great rapport with everyone he meets.”
Watson signing occurs a month before Orlando’s first preseason match against the Philadelphia Union at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The match will be held on February 18. Tickets for the match are now available by calling 855-ORL-CITY or by visiting www.orlandocitysoccer.com/tickets.