Amidst discussion that the organization will no longer field a club in the league, Orlando City SC says Orlando City B is committed to the USL for 2018.
Orlando City SC’s organization includes Orlando City B, the USL club that plays its home games at Orlando City Stadium. Orlando City B recently announced a series of transactions that leave just four players from its 2017 roster without either declined options or expired contracts.
While the team took a similar approach after the 2016 season–re-signing only five players–the announcement prompted some discussion that Orlando City SC could look to cease the operations of Orlando City B for 2018. However, organization officials have refuted that notion, saying that they are committed to fielding a team in the USL next season. More from The Orlando Sentinel:
Still, the announcement concerned some fans following a rumor that various USL teams, including OCB would not continue operations in 2018.
Orlando City SC is committed to the United Soccer League team for next season, according to vice president of communications Diogo Kotscho, who said he spoke directly with club CEO Alex Leitão.
When asked about the rumors, Jason Kreis, coach of the club’s Major League Soccer team, declined to comment. In the past, Kreis touted OCB as highly valuable to the club’s development, and 14 players under MLS contracts played minutes with OCB in 2017.
Orlando City B has played in the USL since 2016.