On Sunday afternoon, Orlando City played their final match of the season against D.C. United; the 4-2 left the Lions in high spirits and looking forward to next year. The victory also helped Orlando City send off Camping World Stadium, as today was their final match before moving into the new stadium next season.
Orlando City has played in Camping World Stadium throughout the club’s existence. Next year, the team will move into their brand new soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando. But tonight, they said goodbye to the stadium in the best way that they knew how.
There were four goals in total. The first by Kevin Molino in the 13th minute, followed by Kaká, Cristian Higuita, and Julio Baptista. For some of these players, tonight’s send-off had a special meaning.
“It was great,” Molino said after the match. “I’ve been here for six years, I’ve shared so much great memories and great things… We’re ending on a good note, in a good respectable way, not just for us but also for the club and the city and all of Orlando.”
So many fans share those memories Molino referenced-- between two MLS seasons and four USL seasons, including two USL championships. We’ve been here for the goals, the celebrations, and the heartbreaks. Now, we move forward to a new start and a new season.
“I know that this was the last game for this stadium,” Kaká said. “But I’m still thinking my mark on this game will be forward. Just finished one chapter of this.”
