Next week, Orlando City will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to face the historic Brazilian Série A side, Flamengo. The match will mark Flamengo’s 120th anniversary as a club. The Lions trip to Rio will bring a great opportunity for them to play in the most storied soccer nation in history in the legendary Maracanã Stadium.
“It's a great honor and pleasure for any club in the world, or any player in the world, to play in the most iconic stadium of all time,” said Orlando City Lions CEO, Alex Leitão. “This is a milestone for the league and we are very happy to be the first MLS club to play in Maracanã. We hope other MLS clubs in the future will have this opportunity.”
The legend of Maracanã began in the 1940’s when FIFA awarded Brazil the rights to host the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Brazil needed a venue able to host huge crowds for the tournament as well as the final. After deliberations throughout the Brazilian government, it was decided that Maracanã would be built in Rio De Janeiro and measure the largest stadium in the world.
On July 16, 1950, Maracanã stadium hosted 199,854 spectators during the World Cup Final featuring Uruguay and Brazil in what would become one of the most famous matches in soccer history. Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-1.
City Set To Play in One of the Worlds Most Historic Venues
From that point on, if a match of importance was to be held in Brazil, Maracanã would play host. From the Pele's 1,000th career goal to the 2015 FIFA World Cup final, Maracanã has had more memorable moments than in any other stadium in the world. This Sunday, Orlando City will have the opportunity to add to that collection.
“I’m overly excited to play in Maracanã,” said Lions Forward, Pedro Ribeiro. “It has always been a dream of mine to play in that stadium. It is one of the most famous and most important stadiums in the world, and is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to play there.”
“It’s a great opportunity to play in such a cathedral...I’m really excited for it,” stated Lions Head Coach, Adrian Heath.
The friendly against Flamengo will be streamed live on OrlandoCitySC.com on Nov. 15 at 12:30 pm ET.
