Orlando joins NWSL as expansion club

S club Orlando City SC has announced it will form a women's team to play in the National Women's Soccer League. The Orlando Pride are now the tenth club in NWSL and the second expansion team, after the Houston Dash.

"The time is right, the time is now," said Phillip Rawlins, president of Orlando City SC. "The strength of the women's game is not just because of the strength of the national game, it's also because of the strength of the leagues that we have now around the world."

"This is a thrilling time for our organization, our partners, and for fans in the 'Soccer Capital of the South.' With the successful launch of the MLS team, as well as the 2016 launch of the NWSL and USL teams, this region continues to reap the economic benefit of world class professional soccer."

The Pride will be coached by none other than former USWNT head coach Tom Sermanni, who was unceremoniously shown the door by US Soccer in 2014 amidst rumors that some players had revolted against his policy of calling in newer and younger players. This is a crucial get for Orlando, as Sermanni has years of experience in building teams from scratch based on his work in Australia. No doubt his name will attract a certain caliber of player as well, perhaps luring some top internationals from overseas.

"I'm extremely excited and honored and very proud to be part of the Pride," said Sermanni. "I look forward to working at this extremely successful, dynamic club, in this wonderful city."

Comments

Depay: I'm a team player

The Manchester United winger has acknowledged his form is "not very good" at present, but rejected suggestions he is selfish Netherlands winger Memphis Depay has rejected Danny Blind's suggestion that he is not a team player and insists he is working as hard as ever to rediscover his best form. The 21-year-old inspired PSV to the Eredivisie title last season but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since joining Manchester United for €27.5 million during the summer. Netherlands boss Blind claimed last week that Depay "does not always function for the team" but still included the the forward in his squad for the upcoming friendlies with Wales and Germany. "When I spoke to Danny Blind [after linking up with Netherlands], it was a very good conversation," the Red Devils forward told NOS . "I think I’m a team player and the other players in the team also think that. “I don’t think I’m in a difficult path of my career, as the media says...

I Have Been Sacked Six Times By The Media - Louis Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to discuss his future amid growing reports he will leave the club and be replaced by Jose Mourinho. When asked whether the FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace would be his final match in charge, he told a press conference: "I show you the cup. I don't discuss it with my friends in the media who already sack me for six months. "I do not want to talk about leaving." Source: Goal

Neymar Is Electric - Enrique

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique described four-goal hero Neymar as "electric" following a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. The Catalans reacted to conceding a Javi Guerra opener via the Brazilian, who won and scored two penalties before adding a quick-fire brace late in an entertaining affair that further strikes from Luis Suarez and Jozabed wrapped up. Having watched the treble winners experience some rocky form prior to the international break with losses at Celta Vigo and Sevilla, Enrique was grateful for Neymar's inspirational showing. "Neymar is electric," the Blaugrana boss told reporters after the match. "Defences must either foul him and give away a penalty or he will score goals. Since he has started the season has been great, and today he was decisive. "In a nutshell, he has been very impressive." Neymar's constant trickery left the Rayo backline struggling to cope but Paco Jemez's men offere...

Footytracker - Unbeatable Football Stories and Breaking News

Search This Blog