It was recently announced that Orlando City Stadium will be hosting the U.S Men’s National Team during their World Cup qualifiers. The U.S will return to Orlando for the first time in nearly 20 years, playing against Panama in their final home match of the Hex. The match could have huge implications for the United States’ final spot in the CONCACAF rankings and their journey to the World Cup. It could also have huge implications for Orlando’s soccer community.
Orlando City Stadium has only been in operation for roughly two months, but the stadium and the organization that created it are already sending a message to the country and the world. The Lions have won all five of their home matches so far this season, and already the stadium has announced that they will be hosting the USMNT World Cup qualifier and the 2017 NWSL Championship.
The stadium is beautiful-- potentially one of the best in the United States. But it isn’t just the stadium that’s getting all the attention. It’s the fans that fill it.
Orlando City has won their first five matches in this stadium thanks to a sellout crowd that never gives up. U.S Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League feel confident bringing their games here not simply because it is a wonderful venue, but because they know that the stands will be filled with passionate fans. Orlando has continued to prove that they are the best soccer city in the country, and hosting the U.S Men’s National Team is just the next step in that journey.
Hosting the U.S Men’s National Team could have huge implications for this organization and this community. There are all sorts of events that will be looking for a home in the future, including the MLS All Star game and other U.S Soccer events. The Orlando soccer community will continue to grow as one of the best in the nation-- maybe even one of the best in the world.
It’s a huge honor to host the U.S Men’s National Team as they seek to qualify for the World Cup. The match in October could mark a major step in their journey-- and in ours.
