We had a great night last night attending Orlando City Soccer Club’s 1st Annual Awards Dinner. It was a fun evening that gave more insight into the wonderful new club that is emerging in the “Beautiful City.” The evening was mainly about celebrating a fabulous first season that has seen the club clinch the USA PRO league at it’s first attempt and looking forward to the upcoming play offs that start this coming weekend.
The event started with cocktails and a chance to meet and greet some of the players, staff and club representatives. Dinner was then served before the main event of the evening began as the awards were given out. Club owner and President Phil Rawlins and Head Coach Adrian Heath entertained the audience with some great stories, a look back over the season and a look forward to the future as the club looks to attain MLS status in coming years. Kay Rawlins then took the stage and relayed how the club, the players and the staff have all contributed to the local community. It was very revealing how much importance the club has placed on not only developing their own players but also ensuring that the local community benefits from their endeavors. It bodes well for the future and shows what an important asset Orlando City Soccer Club already is to the local area.
Photos can be seen at Facebook.com/FloridaLeisure … if you haven’t already clicked “LIKE” then please do so now!
Trendy Shopping Spot Opens at Downtown Disney – Apricot Lane Boutique has opened a new store at Downtown Disney on Aug. 12, 2011. The new shop, which appeals to mothers and daughters alike, is in the Pleasure Island district of the 120-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
Apricot Lane, a “Hot Concept” award winner by the International Council of Shopping Centers, carries branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, and accessories to create the most-current looks at an affordable price. Brands carried include trend-setting lines such as Miss Me, Free People, Vintage Havana, Chaser and Good Works Make a Difference.
“Many of the designer labels found in Apricot Lane are worn by celebrities and seen in the pages of current fashion magazines,” said Founder and CEO Ken Petersen. “We are excited to give the millions of guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort a place where they can replicate those looks.”
A location of the boutique recently opened at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., to “overnight success.” Disney guests in need of a fun dress for dinner or a quick outfit for a day at the resort have found Apricot Lane to be the solution for fashion-forward looks and trend-setting styles.
“We’re pleased to add Apricot Lane to our assortment of unique offerings at Downtown Disney,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “This boutique is another example of our commitment to bring new and compelling experiences to life at Downtown Disney, and I’m confident that it will soon become a guest favorite.”
Since launching in 2007, Apricot Lane continuously appears in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise List. With new items arriving almost daily, Apricot Lane is a perfect place to find one-of-a-kind outfits and unique gift items for women of all ages. The store carries a limited number of each item to ensure customers have a sense of individuality when making a purchase.
Orlando City closed out their regular season with a bang tonight as they destroyed Harrisburg City Islanders 4-0 in front of 4,549 fans at the Florida Citrus Bowl. The win was merely a formality as Orlando City clinched the USL PRO regular season title last week, but it does give Orlando some momentum heading into the first round of the playoffs next week and they’ll be very pleased to have been able to have given some other players a run out.
It didn’t take too long for Orlando to notch their first goal of the match and it really came against the run of play. Harrisburg had looked the most threatening in the opening spell but in the 22nd minute, fan favorite Dennis Chin (see picture sequence above) got the scoring started for City. Chin broke away from the Harrisburg back line and fired a strong shot past the started Islanders goalkeeper Chase Harrison to put the Lions up 1-0.
“It was great to get my first goal of the season,” Chin said after the game. “I have been waiting to score one for a long time here.”
For the remainder of the first half Orlando dominated and really could have added a second goal. It was not to be but Orlando made no mistake in the second half as Jaime Watson became the first player to score a hat-trick wearing the colors of Orlando City Soccer Club.
His first and Orlando’s second came in the 55th minute as Harrisburg’s Anthony Calvano handled in the penalty area. Up stepped Watson from the penalty spot and his shot found the bottom left corner. 2-0. Watson’s second came in the 80th minute as he showed both his strength and his technical ability to get past Harrisburg defender Andrew Marshall and rocket a shot past the despairing Harrison to score his second goal of the night, giving Orlando the 3-0 lead.
The scoring wasn’t done there and just moments later Watson sealed his third and a place in the record books. After a brilliant through ball from City defender Erik Ustruck, Watson was set up with a simple tap in to a wide open goal. 4-0 and not only was it Watson’s hat-trick but it was also Watson’s fifth goal in the last nine days, and eighth goal of the season.
“It was impressive what Jamie did tonight, “ said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath.
So onto the play offs we go and next Saturday, 20th August will see Charleston Battery make the return trip to Orlando for the first game in the USL PRO play offs. It should be a fiery encounter as the last game didn’t end on the best of terms and Charleston will be looking to avenge two recent losses to Orlando and a 1-3-0 record this season.
Tickets are available for the first round of the playoffs! Call our ticket office at 855-ORL-CITY. For all of your Orlando City playoff news, be sure to check www.orlandocitysoccer.com all next week for special playoff coverage.
Orlando City Lions clinched the USL PRO regular season title last Saturday and tonight they take on Harrisburg City Islanders for the final regular season match of the inaugural campaign. The game kicks off at 7.30pm at the Citrus Bowl and with their spot and seed already locked in, Head Coach Adrian Heath has the advantage of both resting key starters and finding just how prepared his deep bench is for the playoffs. Role players Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell, and Dennis Chin are all likely to start for the Lions and Chin, in particular, has been making his case for more minutes in recent weeks such have been the effect of his cameo roles coming from the bench.
Mainstays Lawrence Olum and Erik Ustruck also return to the line-up after suffering injuries in the Bolton friendly. Both players were available last week, but were held out to rest up for the postseason. Friday’s match gives the two versatile players a chance to stretch their legs and regain full match fitness ahead of the August 20 playoff opener.
The Lions and Islanders have met just once this season. Orlando defeated Harrisburg 3-1 in the May 22 road match, but it was not without drama. After scoring through a Demar Stewart strike in the opening 90 seconds, the Lions controlled the game. All of a sudden, in the 80th minute, Harrisburg found a late spark and equalized. Undeterred, the Lions responded with a late goal of their own just before the end of regulation. Lewis Neal added a penalty kick goal in stoppage time to seal the win.
Much has changed since late May as Harrisburg, then the struggling side, is now tied for the National Division lead with Rochester. Their victory on Wednesday night in Charlotte kept the fourth and final playoff spot in the American Division open, meaning Orlando City will not know their first playoff opponent until they finish Friday’s match.
With both squads in good form, Friday’s match expects to be a case of who will blink first. It will not be one to miss. Those that cannot make it down to the Citrus Bowl can still catch the game on Brighthouse Sports Network. Tickets are still available for the match, and can be purchased by calling 855-ORL-CITY. Tickets start at just $12.
Proposed Line-up (unofficial):
GK: Sean Kelley
DF: Mechack Jerome, Rob Valentino, Wes Allen, Erik Ustruck
MF: Charlie Campbell, Ian Fuller, Lawrence Olum, Jamie Watson
FW: Devorn Jorsling, Dennis Chin
Subs:
Miguel Gallardo, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor, Luke Boden, Kevin Molino, Justin Fojo, Max Griffin
This morning, SeaWorld Orlando animal care experts released a male manatee at Kars Park in North Merritt Island, Fla. He was rescued in January due to cold stress and had been recovering in SeaWorld’s rehabilitation facility for the past eight months. The release went smoothly, and as you can see from the video below, he immediately found many other manatees in the area to learn the ropes from.
Actor Atticus Shaffer who plays adorably quirky “Brick” on ABC’s “The Middle,” worked his first-ever summer job at LEGOLAND® Florida, an all-new family theme park currently under construction just outside Orlando. Calling it his “best day ever,” Shaffer tested rides, built LEGO® models and whipped up kid-inspired snacks with the park’s executive chef. The park is due to open on October 15, 2011, LEGOLAND Florida and will provide interactive entertainment for families with children ages 2-12.
A plan to redevelop the old Mercado Shopping Center on International Drive cleared its first hurdle when Orange County’s Development Review Committee gave preliminary approval with conditions to plans for a 9 acre amusement park and shopping complex.
The biggest attraction will be a 425-foot Ferris wheel that will be the first of it’s kind in the world. The complex will also include an aquarium and Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum.
Paul Batt with Unicorp Development said the Ferris wheel is a radical change from bicycle type wheels you know like the London Eye.
“This technology is fairly, radically different in that it does not rotate, the wheel itself does not rotate. There is no central hub. It is basically a roller coaster that travels at 1 mile per hour.”
The next stop for the development will be the Orange County Commission. Most of the concerns from the DRC were over parking issues the company plans to resolve before final approval. They hope to start construction by the end of the year, and the building phase is expected to take 14 months.
Even though summer’s nearly over and the kids will soon be back in school, there’s still time to experience Summer Nights at SeaWorld. SeaWorld’s summer nighttime adventures continue through Sunday, August 14. The park is open until 10 p.m. giving guests even more time to experience SeaWorld’s fantastic shows, thrilling coasters under the stars, and a nightly fireworks and fountain finale.
On Saturday, the park is planning it’s last summer freebie and guests can receive a FREE non-alcoholic frozen fruit slushee topped off with a collectable spiral Shamu straw, by visiting Parrot Ice Frozen Beverage on Summer Nights Central between 6 -7 p.m. To receive the complimentary drink show you “like” SeaWorld on your mobile device or bring a print out of SeaWorld’s Facebook post promoting the giveaway.
Guests can choose from two great ticket offers: • Adults pay the kid’s price and get a second day free, a perfect option for families looking for an all-day adventure. • The Summer Nights After-3 p.m. ticket for only $49.99 brings more flexibility, fun and value to Orlando’s best nighttime theme park entertainment. For Summer Nights insider tips and cool giveaways “like” SeaWorld’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SeaWorld.
It was a momentous night for Orlando City Lions as they won their first two of hopefully what will become three championships with a 2-1 victory over Charleston Battery at the Orlando Citrus Bowl this evening. The victory gives Orlando City the USL PRO American Division Championship, the USL PRO Regular Season Championship, and home-field advantage throughout the 2011 ULS PRO Playoffs.
The first half was a defensive struggle between two teams who pride themselves in playing a solid defensive game. With few opportunities in the first half, the teams went into halftime all even although Charleston lead by a slim margin in shot attempts seven to six.
Half-time came at the most opportune time as rain had started to pour down and a weather delay began midway through halftime. The delay lasted just 20 minutes, plus the 17 minute halftime and the majority of the 5,251 in attendance remained for the second half hoping to see some goals and Orlando clinch the championship.
The rain-soaked field provided the teams with a fast moving pitch, which provided everyone watching an exciting second half. It was a half that will go down in Orlando City’s history as one of the team’s most important halves to date. Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath decided to make a switch a halftime and Orlando forward Dennis Chin came on for Max Griffin at the beginning of the second half to provide Orlando’s offense a spark. Chin did just that.
“I brought in Chinny to provide a spark, something that he tends to do every time we throw him in there,” said Heath following the match. “It was the right decision.”
Ten minutes into the second half, Chin charged down the right hand side of the field with two Charleston defenders running alongside him and inside the penalty area. He was then man handled to the floor and the referee had an easy decision in giving the penalty kick. Up stepped a cool Jamie Watson and as the keeper went one way the ball rolled into the bottom right corner to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
Watson then proceeded to earn himself a yellow card as in his excitement he hurled himself up the stairs to the bleachers and jumped into the crowd to celebrate with the Iron Lion Firm, one of Orlando City’s amazing supporters groups.
“A moment like that is something I will always look back on,” said Watson. “It was great to celebrate with all of the fans. They deserve this win too.”
A few minutes later, Mechack Jerome found a neat cross to an unmarked Yordany Alvarez, who firmly headed the ball past Andrew Dykstra ito make it Orlando 2-0 after 72 minutes. To many, that was game set match and the title wrapped up but Charleston lived up to their name Battery as they refused to give up. A sneaky back-heel pass from Battery forward and Rollins College alum Jon Gruenewald left Gallardo far outside of the goal, leaving Charleston forward Dane Kelley with an easy tap in into the open net. 2-1 and 8 minutes to go.
The game then descended into a fiery encounter as tackles flew and tempers raised. A minute into stoppage time, Battery defender John Wilson took down Dennis Chin, which brought both teams to the corner of the field where a handbags at two paces shoving match began. Wilson, who’d had a short fuse all evening, grabbed an Orlando City player by the throat and earned himself an instant red.
This was to be the final incident of an eventful second half and the celebration began. The team were presented the USL PRO Title Cup in the center circle by club President Phil Rawlins and the team then enjoyed more celebrations as they ran around the field with the trophy, sharing the moment with all of the delighted City fans.
“We’ve been waiting for this for a good while. Coach [Heath] has done a brilliant job in coaching our players and has done a fantastic job with them,” said President and Owner Phil Rawlins. “They have been the best team all year, playing the best football. Now it’s time to win a championship.”
Orlando City closes out the regular season at home on Friday against the Harrisburg City Islanders. Tickets are still available, and start at just $12. Call 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489) for more information or to order tickets.
Following Friday’s match, the Lions begin the 2011 USL PRO Playoffs. Their first opponent has not been determined, but the match will take place at the Citrus Bowl on August 20th at 7:30 pm.
Saturday night is a potentially a historic night for Orlando City. A win over Charleston Battery will see the Lions clinch the 2011 USL PRO regular season championship with one game left to play. The win would also give Orlando home field advantage throughout the playoffs and USL PRO Championship Game.
“We set out to win the championship from day one,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I have been saying that all year and nothing has changed that expectation. Winning the regular season crown is big to me, and right now we are only a win away. We just have to take care of business on Saturday.”
Orlando City comes in to the match confident of their ability to defeat Charleston. The Lions and Battery have clashed three times this season, with City coming away the victors twice. The most recent of those wins was on Wednesday night when Jamie Watson scored in the 16th minute to give City a 1-0 victory. With the league title within their grasp, the Lions will surely be focused and ready to win the regular season title for the fans.
“It would be great and be a big thanks to the fans,” said Lions defender Rob Valentino. “They’ve given us so much and it would just be a way that we could give back to them.” Valentino is one of three Lions returning to the City line-up on Saturday. He has missed the last three games due to a suspension stemming from the July 8th match against Dayton. Also returning for Orlando are defender Erik Ustruck and midfielder Lawrence Olum. Both players have been injured, but are now cleared to play.
The night is also going to be a special one for young Austin Richards. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Orlando City will be “signing” the 15-year old Osceola High School sophomore Austin Richards to a special one-day contract today. Austin is a survivor of Ewing sarcoma whose wish was to experience a day in the life of a pro soccer player.
Austin’s day as an Orlando City Lion will begin with the pre-game warm-up session. He will participate in warm-ups with the rest of the City squad as they prepare for the match against Charleston Battery. Austin will then join in the pre-match ceremonial ball presentation for La Familia Pawn and Jewelry, Saturday’s game sponsor. He will finish out the night by enjoying the match, sitting on the bench next to Head Coach Adrian Heath. Austin’s family will enjoy the match in seats directly behind the Orlando City bench.
And on another note, I managed to secure an interview with Orlando City Soccer Club President Phil Rawlins yesterday. We talked about the season so far and the hopes for the future …take a look:
Tickets for Saturday’s potentially historic match are available by calling 855-ORL-CITY (855-675-2489). Tickets start as low as $12.
Proposed Line-up (unofficial): GK: Miguel Gallardo DF: Erik Ustruck, Rob Valentino, Kieron Bernard, Jack Traynor MF: Kevin Molino, Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum, Lewis Neal FW: Jamie Watson, Max Griffin Subs: Sean Kelley, Luke Boden, Ian Fuller, Wes Allen, Charlie Campbell, Dennis Chin, Devorn Jorsling
