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Orlando City releases 2021 regular season schedule

The Lions will play against Atlanta United FC at 3 p.m. on April 17 at Exploria Stadium to start the 2021 season. Tickets for the home opener are available to season ticket holders and partial ticket holders. Orlando City fans who want to be alerted when single-game tickets are available can click this link. April 23rd: City 🆚 @SportingKC #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/j8myaaqbp0 — Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 10, 2021Ten of the contests this season will be nationally televised games. The last home game of the season for Orlando City will be against Nashville SC at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Orlando City to play against Atlanta United in home opener

All rights reserved)Orlando City's Nani, right, celebrates with Jhegson Medez after scoring against Inter Miami during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City will play against Atlanta United FC at 3 p.m. on April 17 at Exploria Stadium to start the 2021 season. Tickets for the home opener are available to season ticket holders and partial ticket holders. Orlando City fans who want to be alerted when single-game tickets are available can click this link. [TRENDING: ‘Manatee graveyard in Fla. | 6 major announcements from Disney | Fla. woman charged in US Capitol attack]AdThe second game for the Lions will be against Sporting KC at 8 p.m. on April 23 in Orlando City’s first road game of the season. Team officials said the rest of the schedule will be released at a later date.

Orlando City SC releases pre-season schedule

All rights reserved)ORL,ANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC on Wednesday announced its preseason schedule ahead of the 2021 Major League Soccer season. Led by Head Coach Oscar Pareja, the Lions began preseason on Monday at Osceola Heritage Park. The preseason will also feature an eight-day trip to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., for training and a scrimmage. [TRENDING: Gas skimmer hits News 6 anchor for $1,600 | Epic: Universal resumes work on 4th theme park | Porn plays during Fla. zoom class]All preseason scrimmages will be closed-door. Ad2021 Orlando City SC Preseason ScheduleMon., March 1 First Training of 2021 | Orlando City SC Training GroundSun., March 7 Depart for IMG AcademyMon., March 15 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Philadelphia Union Return from BradentonThurs., March 18 Preseason Scrimmage vs. New York City FCSat., March 27 Preseason Scrimmage vs. TBAWed., March 31 Preseason Scrimmage vs. FC CincinnatiSat., April 3 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Chicago Fire FCTues., April 6 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Miami FCFri., April 9 Preseason Scrimmage vs. Minnesota United FCSat., April 17 Start of MLS Regular SeasonThe MLS regular season kicks off on Saturday, April 17.

Columbus Crew win 2nd MLS title, beating Seattle 3-0

Columbus Crew's Jonathan Mensah, center, carries the trophy on stage after the Crew defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-0 in the MLS Cup championship game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)COLUMBUS, Ohio – No matter the absences from the lineup or the opponent, Caleb Porter implored the Columbus Crew to impose themselves. Porter's players responded, putting aside the recent history of the defending champion Seattle Sounders and capping the most unpredictable of MLS seasons with one of the league's original franchises raising a championship trophy. Columbus claimed its first title since 2008 and denied Seattle a chance at being just the fourth back-to-back champions in league history. Seattle needed a frantic comeback in the final 15 minutes of its Western Conference final against Minnesota United just to reach MLS Cup.

Sounders score twice late, stun Minnesota United 3-2

Seattle Sounders forward Will Bruin (17) shoots to score against Minnesota United during the second half of an MLS playoff Western Conference final soccer match, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE – Gustav Svensson scored off a corner kick in the final moments of second-half stoppage time, and the Seattle Sounders beat Minnesota United 3-2 on Monday night to advance to the MLS Cup final. Seattle scored three times in the final 15 minutes of regulation and stoppage time to stun Minnesota and claim the Western Conference championship for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Will Bruin scored in the 75th minute to pull Seattle within 2-1 and set the stage for the wild final moments when the Sounders scored twice off corner kicks. But Svensson came through by rising above on the final corner kick and giving the Sounders the victory.

Sounders back in West final after 1-0 win over FC Dallas

Seattle Sounders defender Shane O'Neill (27) heads in a goal against FC Dallas during the second half of an MLS playoff soccer match, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, in Seattle. As in his one previous MLS goal before Tuesday night. The Sounders will face either Minnesota United or Sporting Kansas City in the West final next Monday. But O’Neill found himself unmarked in front of the Dallas goal in the 49th minute and flicked Nicolas Lodeiro’s corner kick past Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer. It was the first Seattle goal by someone other than Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris in the past five matches.

Philly claims Supporters' Shield on final day of MLS season

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)The path to the MLS Cup will go through Philadelphia after the Union wrapped up the Supporters’ Shield and top seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs on the final day of the MLS regular season on Sunday. The snowy victory for Kansas City was part of a wild final day in the Western Conference, with late goals in Los Angeles and Houston shuffling the playoff bracket. LAFC's reward is a trip to defending MLS Cup champion Seattle in a rematch of last year's Western Conference final won by the Sounders on the road. Only Philadelphia and Toronto had a chance to lay claim to the regular-season title entering the final day of the season. The Eastern Conference had a logjam at the bottom of the standings, and the final day ended with both expansion teams claiming playoff spots.

Dike continues strong play, Orlando City tops Atlanta United

ORLANDO, Fla. – Daryl Dike had a goal and an assist to continue his strong rookie campaign, Chris Mueller scored on a free kick, and Orlando City beat Atlanta United 4-1 on Wednesday night. Orlando City (9-3-8) bounced back from a loss that ended a 12-match unbeaten streak and snapped a four-game winless skid. Tesho Akindele put away a one-touch shot, off a pass from Dike, in the 60th before Atlanta's Erick Torres scored in the 87th minute. It was the first goal of the season for Torres, who scored 14 goals in 27 appearances for the Houston Dynamo last season. Matheus Aias, a 23-year-old who signed with Orlando City on Aug. 21, scored his first MLS goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

Gallese, Orlando City survive a man down, tie FC Dallas 0-0

FRISCO, Texas – Pedro Gallese had his second MLS shutout and Orlando City played a man down for the final 20-plus minutes in a 0-0 tie with FC Dallas on Sunday night. Gallese had four saves, including a kick save of a shot by Santiago Mosquera from point-blank range in the 10th minute. Midfielder Jhegson Méndez was shown his second yellow card in the 69th minute and Orlando City played a man down the rest of the way. Jimmy Maurer had three saves for Dallas (5-3-5). Orlando City (7-2-5) is 5-0-3 in its last eight games.

Urso, Mueller help Orlando City beat Atlanta United

ATLANTA Jnior Urso scored his first MLS goal, Chris Mueller added a goal and Orlando City beat Atlanta United 3-1 on Saturday. Orlando City (4-2-2) has won back-to-back games, beating Atlanta for the first time in nine career meetings. Urso, a 31-year-old Brazilian in his first MLS season, headed home a corner kick by Mueller to open the scoring in the 13th minute. Brooks Lennon slipped a header, off a cross by Jrgen Damm, from the center of the area just inside the right post for Atlanta (3-4-0) in the in the 83rd minute. Urso stole the ball from Pity Martinez deep in the attacking half and fed Lus Carlos Almeida da Cunha for a goal that capped the scoring in the 86th.

Orlando City Soccer prepares for first home game since February

ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando City Soccer Club is set to host Nashville for their first home game since February, at reduced capacity for phase one of continuation of play for Major League Soccer. Orlando SC leaders told News 6 they anticipate the stadium to be around 20-25% full for Wednesdays game against Nashville, with several tickets still available online. I dont believe that now is the time to relax any of those restrictions, Demings said when asked about Orlando City Soccer at his weekly press briefing on Aug. 10. A day after the Orlando City announcement Demings again expressed concerns. To buy tickets to the Orlando City match against Nashville, click here.

LAFC's Carlos Vela has knee injury, likely out a few weeks

LOS ANGELES Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela is likely to be sidelined for at least a few weeks by a left knee injury. Bradley gave no timetable for Vela's return, but such injuries typically require a minimum of three weeks of rest and rehabilitation. Vela came up limping on a noncontact play during the second half of LAFC's 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on Saturday. The 31-year-old Vela had the most prolific season in MLS history last year with LAFC, setting the league record with 34 goals. Vela then scored in each of LAFC's first two matches this season before the pause because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Orlando City will allow fans to attend matches in person at reduced capacity

ORLANDO, Fla. Orlando City announced fans will be allowed at three upcoming games at Exploria Stadium at reduced capacity for phase one of continuation of play for Major League Soccer. The exact amount of fans allowed into games was not specified in the news release from the MLS. The matches will be the first to have fans in-person since the pandemic caused cancellations across all major league sports. Fans will be required to wear masks in the stadium. No bags will be allowed inside the stadium.

MLS fans boo players kneeling for national anthem

There was a smattering of boos when players from FC Dallas and Nashville SC collectively took a knee during the national anthem before their MLS game on Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas. Dallas defender Reggie Cannon said he was disgusted by the boos at Toyota Stadium when players and officials knelt to call attention to racial injustice. Dallas and Nashville had not played a game since the season was suspended on March 12 because of the coronavirus. The death of George Floyd has spurred a number of MLS players to form the group Black Players for Change, which seeks to address systemic racism in soccer and society. At the opening game of the MLS tournament in Florida, members of the group collectively stood in silence, fists raised, for more than eight minutes.

What the MLS is Back tournament was like from a journalist who covered it

Everyone except for the players buses had to go through this security check. It was a long walk to get to the temperature screening tent while carrying camera equipment. For the temperature check, I stood in front of a camera, and it took my temperature that way. On the other field, videographers stood behind a tall fence and the photographers sat in front of that fence. MLS is now set to move on with regular season games and the MLS Playoffs later this year.

Portland beats Orlando 2-1 to claim MLS is Back championship

Orlando players block a free kick by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8), during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Dario Zuparics first goal of the season gave Portland a 2-1 victory against Orlando in the MLS is Back finale Tuesday night. The goal set off a raucous celebration on the sideline and sent Orlando into panic mode. The Timbers, who spent 39 days in the MLS bubble and remained on West Coast time, hugged, danced and doused each other with water after the final whistle. Portlands experience the Timbers won the MLS title in 2015 and were runners-up two years ago showed in the finale. But considering Portland has managed just three clean sheets in its last 23 matches, it was no surprise to see a defensive breakdown just a few minutes later.

Kathryn Nesbitt breaks ground as MLS is Back final referee

When the Portland Timbers play Orlando City in the MLS is Back tournament championship on Tuesday night, assistant referee Kathryn Nesbitt will become the first woman to work a Major League Soccer title game. We all came into this tournament under really unusual circumstances, Nesbitt said. And it's not just MLS, she was also a referee for the Women's World Cup last year in France. Nesbitt counts her World Cup debut, in a group-stage match between the Norway and Nigeria in Reims, as one of her favorite career moments. Nesbitt was a chemistry professor at Towson University before she decided last year to focus on refereeing in advance of the World Cup.

Orlando, Portland vie for MLS championship like no other

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. In a year like no other, this will be a championship like no other. Orlando City and Portland will meet in the MLS is Back tournament finale Tuesday night, with the winner hoisting a trophy less than 24 hours before the league resumes its revised regular season in home markets. The World Cup-style format included 51 matches over 45 days at ESPNs Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World. Orlando and Portland emerged as the best of the bunch, both relying on staunch defense to get to the championship match. Defenders, sometimes, they dont get the credit when youre winning games, said Orlando coach Oscar Pareja, whose team hasnt allowed more than one goal in any tournament game.

Rossi scores pair, LAFC gets revenge in 4-1 win over Seattle

Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) scores on a penalty kick against the Seattle Sounders during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kissimmee, Fla., Monday, July 27, 2020. Even without reigning league MVP Carlos Vela, LAFC pressured and flustered the Sounders early and never let up. LAFC outshot Seattle 25-11. At times, the Sounders couldnt play the ball out of their own defensive end due to the pressure of LAFC. Rossi drew Xavier Arreagas foul in the penalty area and beat Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 14th minute for the early advantage.

Florida reports more than 130 new coronavirus-related deaths, setting new record

The new record comes as Central Florida school districts are finalizing back to school plans in the wake of the pandemic. [RELATED: Heres how Florida hospitals are reporting current COVID-19 hospitalizations]Though Florida continues to see thousands of new cases reported daily, parts of Central Florida are continuing with reopening plans. Across the globe, Hong Kong Disneyland will close its gates again Wednesday after 52 new coronavirus cases were detected in China. Apart from attractions, Central Florida school districts have kicked off summer school programs as school board leaders are finalizing plans for the fall. Marion CountyThe Marion County School Board unanimously decided to move forward with reopening schools for the fall semester on Aug. 10.

NBA, MLS coronavirus testing counts in Orange Countys totals

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Now that players from both the MLS and the NBA are at Walt Disney World to resume their respective seasons, their coronavirus testing totals will count toward Orange Countys overall numbers. Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said Monday that because those inside the bubble are being tested so often, Orange County could start to notice an increase in daily testing numbers. As of Monday, Orange County has recorded 18,937 COVID-19 cases since March plus 83 deaths and 564 total hospitalizations. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said right off the bat Monday that he doesnt like the way cases are looking lately. In that case, the convention center could house as many as 500 beds for Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake county residents.

MLS returns to action after poignant moment of silence

(AP Photo/John Raoux)KISSIMMEE, Fla. Nearly 200 players took the field for an 8-minute, 46-second moment of silence to protest racial injustice before Major League Soccers return to action Wednesday night. Players wore black T-shirts, black gloves and black facemasks emblazoned with Black Lives Matter. The shirts had varying slogans that included Black And Proud, Silence Is Violence and Black All The Time. The group was formerly called the Black Players Coalition of MLS but changed its name this week to Black Players for Change. MLS players had weeks to decide what to do prior to the MLS is Back tournament at ESPNs Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World.

Nashville SC drops out of MLS is Back Tournament after 9 players test positive for COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla. Nashville SC is the second team to drop out of the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando after multiple players tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. Team officials said that after arriving in Orlando, nine players on the team have had confirmed positive test results for COVID-19. We have withdrawn Nashville SC from the MLS is Back Tournament. For every decision we make in our return to play, the wellbeing of our players, staff, officials and all participants is our top priority.FC Dallas was the first team to withdraw from the tournament, announcing the decision Monday after 10 players tested positive for coronavirus. To read more about the MLS is Back Tournament schedule, click here.

MLS MVP Carlos Vela will skip LAFCs trip to Orlando tourney

LOS ANGELES Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela will not accompany Los Angeles FC to the league's return tournament in Orlando this month. Vela announced his decision Monday, citing his concern for the health of his family, including his pregnant wife, Saioa. I always want to give everything I have to my club, our fans and supporters and the city of LA, Vela said in a statement. Vela was the first player signed by the 3-year-old expansion franchise, and he has been its cornerstone during its immediate rise to MLS prominence. Vela scored two goals in the first two games of this season before the pandemic forced the suspension of competition.

FC Dallas withdraws from the MLS is Back tournament

FC Dallas has withdrawn from the MLS is Back tournament in Florida after 10 players tested positive for coronavirus. FC Dallas announced last week that six players had tested positive upon arrival in Florida for the tournament, and the entire team was quarantined. Upon arrival, two players tested positive. In consultation with MLS medical officials, FC Dallas took proactive steps to isolate the newly affected players as well as all FC Dallas players and staff in Orlando out of an abundance of caution. The league said no other team was in contact with the FC Dallas delegation.

6 members of FC Dallas soccer team test positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. The FC Dallas Major League Soccer team released a statement Wednesday saying two members of the team had tested positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival in Orlando. According to the tweet, FC Dallas player, coaches and staff departed for Orlando on June 27 and every member of the traveling party had tested negative for COVID-19. The tweet went on to say that upon arriving in Orlando, two players tested positive for the disease, followed by four more players testing positive shortly after. In consultation with MLS officials, FC Dallas took proactive steps to isolate the newly-affected players as well as FC Dallas players and staff in Orlando out of an abundance of caution, officials said in a tweet. Now three months later, teams are arriving preparing for the preseason as Florida is seeing a resurgence in coronavirus cases.

San Jose Earthquakes first MLS team scheduled to arrive in Orlando, more to come this weekend

ORLANDO, Fla. The first major league soccer team is scheduled to arrive in Orlando Wednesday afternoon for the MLS is Back tournament, marking the first steps in the return of soccer since the coronavirus pandemic forced the league to suspended activity. The San Jose Earthquakes will be the first team to arrive in the City Beautiful. Other clubs are expected to trickle in over the weekend as MLS plans its return to scheduled matches. Now three months later, teams are arriving preparing for the preseason as Florida is seeing a resurgence in coronavirus cases. Once teams arrive in Florida, all club members will immediately receive another coronavirus test.

Orange County reopening task force set to meet for first time in three weeks

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. During a time when most restaurants are struggling to keep the doors open, owner Florencio Rodriguez of Don Julio Mexican Kitchen Tequila Bar is gearing up to open its fourth location in Lake Nona in two weeks. On Wednesday, the business owner said he will rejoin the 44-member economic recovery task force virtually to discuss reopening plans and recommendations. Since the last meeting on June 3, Orange County has seen coronavirus cases climb, a mandatory mask order enacted, and some closures. The mix of business, government, and health leaders will also discuss agenda items which include updates on the NBA and MLS. The NBA and MLS are moving forward with plans to begin their seasons in Orlando next month.

Black MLS players form coalition to fight systemic racism

A group of black Major League Soccer players has formed a coalition that seeks to address racial inequities in the league and across soccer, and to positively impact local communities. Started by Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, the group grew to some 70 MLS players, who formed the Black Players Coalition of MLS. And when I reached out to my black soccer player peers, they all felt the same way, Morrow said. Major League Soccer proudly recognizes and supports the Black Players Coalition of MLS -- a group of players who today, on Juneteenth, have established themselves as influential change leaders, MLS said in a statement. The league looks forward to continued and longstanding collaborations.The MLS Players Association also vowed to work with the coalition.

MLS to restart its season with tournament starting July 8

Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that its season will resume starting July 8 with a tournament in Florida. Teams had played just two games to start the season when the league suspended play on March 12 because of the coronavirus outbreak. Each team will have three group matches, played over 16 consecutive days with multiple games a day. The group matches will count toward the regular season. Following the tournament, teams will resume the season in their home markets.

MLS, players reach new labor deal; season to resume with tournament in Orlando

Major League Soccer and its players' union reached an agreement that allows play to resume with a summer tournament in Florida following the break caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The deal was announced by the Major League Soccer Players Association early Wednesday following tense talks that led to some players skipping voluntary workouts and the league threatening a lockout. The union said players had ratified the deal. MLS and the union had been negotiating cuts, and some teams had said they were resuming small voluntary group training sessions outdoors. Players from Atlanta, Miami, Minnesota and Vancouver did not report to voluntary training Monday.

MLS players agree to salary cuts, possible tournament

The Major League Soccer Players Association voted to approve economic concessions for this season, including across-the-board salary cuts, while also agreeing to play in a proposed summer tournament in Orlando. The proposal, made public by the union Sunday night, will now be sent to back to the league for approval by team owners. In addition to salary cuts, the union's proposal includes reduced team and individual bonuses, as well as concessions to the existing and future terms of the collective bargaining agreement. MLS first announced last month it was exploring possible changes to player compensation because of the financial hit the league and teams were facing with the extended suspension in play. MLS and the players union agreed to terms of a new contract in early February, but it had not been ratified when the season was put on hold.

Orlando City SC announces preseason schedule ahead of 2020 MLS season

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC announced its preseason schedule ahead of the 2020 Major League Soccer season. Team officials said the Lions, led by head coach Oscar Pareja, will begin preseason training at the Orlando City SC Training Ground in Kissimmee on Monday. Season ticket members can receive up to four complimentary tickets to Orlando City’s two open preseason matches at Exploria Stadium by clicking here. Orlando City SC Training Ground; 9 a.m. Orlando City SC Training Ground; Closed-doorMonday, Jan. 27: Depart for MexicoSaturday, Feb. 1: Columbus Crew.