A surprise this is not, Orlando City Soccer Club has “confirmed” - kind of - that they will be the next expansion franchise in Major League Soccer, the 21st team in the league.
A post on their official website says “Orlando City SC revealed today that two major announcements in the club’s quest to become the next Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion club will be made on Monday, November 18 and Tuesday, November 19.”
Ok, so that’s not TOTAL confirmation, but it is - pretty much. You get the idea.
The first announcement involves Orlando Health and is thought to be the revealing of their kit sponsorship.
The second, which will take place at the Cheyenne Saloon and is open to the public, the club says “will be a landmark day for the City of Orlando and the club’s pursuit to become a MLS franchise.” There’s even going to be purple beer!
SI’s Brian Straus just went ahead and took the bait, as are we:
Orlando City confirms that they will be announced as an MLS expansion franchise on Nov. 19. at Cheyenne Saloon.
— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) November 13, 2013
Orlando City less than a month ago received approval to build their new, soccer-specific stadium that will seat 18,000 fans, which was thought as the final hurdle for the team to clear.
(MORE: Orlando’s dream comes true as MLS celebrates new stadium deal)
With New York City FC set to become the 20th team on the league’s horizon, and David Beckham leading the way for a 22nd, Major League Soccer has dived headfirst into expansion-mania.