On Sunday, Orlando City finished out the season at Camping World Stadium in front of 30,000 fans. The game was a salute to another MLS season in the books, but it was also a night about remembering and honoring the history of Orlando City. As they look to a new stadium to call home in 2017, the team honored the memories they’ve made and moments they’ve shared in Camping World Stadium.
Head Coach Jason Kreis hasn’t been with the team that long, and much of Orlando City’s history in Camping World Stadium happened before he started his relationship with the team. As Orlando City ends an era at Camping World Stadium, Kreis looks to start a new chapter at the downtown stadium.
“We’re very, very excited. We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to play in such a place, to coach in such a place,” Kreis said about the new stadium. “It’s not everyday that you get to be part of a team that opens up a brand new stadium and certainly be part of a team that is supported the way this team is. I think it’s gonna be a really special place and I think it’s gonna be a really special year.”
Kreis came to Orlando City midway through the season. He honored the history and memories that fans and players alike celebrated Sunday night. But his story lies ahead, in the next era of Orlando City.
“I would say I haven’t made any mark yet,” Kreis said after Sunday’s match. “I’m certainly hopeful that I can. I have fallen in love with this community, I have fallen in love with this club, very, very quickly, and I will be more than willing to do anything necessary to help this club move forward next year.”
As for the 2017 season, Kreis says that Orlando City’s 4-2 victory over D.C. United in that final match is a sign of things to come.
“I think, for me, we saw snapshots tonight of what we’ve been looking for and what we will continue to look for next year,” Kreis said. “I think it leaves a great visual image in the fans’ minds tonight for what they can expect to see next year.”
