Orlando City News Release -- www.orlandocitysoccer.com
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City Soccer Club announced today two international friendly matches to be played in late July. Two-time European Champions Nottingham Forest will square off with the Lions on Saturday, July 21, with Premier League side Stoke City taking on Orlando City on Saturday, July 28.
“This is the second consecutive year that we have been able to attract two top class English teams to Central Florida,” said Phil Rawlins, Orlando City President. “These games give our fans the chance to see international players like Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios competing against their favorite players from Orlando, right here in the Citrus Bowl. This shows the drawing power of having a club like Orlando City based here in the region.”
The first of the two international friendly match-ups this summer will kickoff at 7:30 pm on July 21. Orlando City will welcome n-Power Championship side Nottingham Forest, one of the most historic clubs in English soccer. Forest, as they are usually called, are one of just two English clubs to have won back-to-back European Cups (now known as the Champions League), having won in 1979 and 1980 under legendary manager Brian Clough.
The Orlando City-Nottingham Forest match is included in the Orlando City season ticket package. All season ticket holders will receive a ticket for the match. The match is not eligible for the ticket exchange program.
Following the Forest match, Orlando City will clash with partner club and Barclay’s Premier League side Stoke City on Saturday, July 28. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm. The Lions were originally scheduled to play Charleston Battery on July 28. That match has been moved to Friday, July 27, with a 7:30 kickoff as well.
Stoke City is the second-oldest professional soccer team in the world, and is celebrating its 150th anniversary next season. Stoke has played in England’s top flight, the Barclays Premier League, since the 2008-2009 season. Last season, Stoke made their first F.A. Cup Final, qualifying them for the 2011-2012 Europa League. The Potters, as they are also known, were knocked out in the Round of 32 by Spanish powerhouse Valencia.
Orlando City and Stoke City are partner clubs, but the connections go beyond the official footballing partnership. The most obvious is Orlando City Owner/President Phil Rawlins. Rawlins is a member of Stoke City’s Board of Directors, and holds a minority ownership stake in his hometown club. Several former Stoke players have also suited up for the Lions since the club’s founding last year including current players Anthony Pulis and James O’Connor.
Tickets start from $25. Call 1-855-ORL-CITY, email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com or visit our website www.orlandocitysoccer.com to reserve your tickets today!