MLS execs are "expected to announce" on Nov. 19 that USL Pro club Orlando City SC "will be its 21st franchise," according to Damron & Schlueb of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The announcement would be "held in downtown Orlando, with an open invitation to fans." City leaders are "quietly working" with Orlando City SC officials on the public event that is "set to include MLS executives; Gov. Rick Scott; Mayors Buddy Dyer and Teresa Jacobs." Past announcements that the Impact and NYC FC would be added as expansion franchises were accompanied by "similar ceremonial events with top league officials." Though the plans in Orlando "appear solid, the timing could be thrown off if lawyers for the soccer club and MLS don't work out the final details of a franchise agreement in time." The new MLS franchise will "adopt the name and colors" of Orlando City SC (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 11/6). The SENTINEL's Roger Simmons reported Orlando City SC will play its '14 home games "at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney" while the Citrus Bowl undergoes renovation. The club and Disney "plan to increase stadium seating at the Wide World of Sports Complex, bringing capacity to 5,200" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 11/5).
