In this engaging conversation, John Rawlins interviews Luis Muzzi, the former GM of Orlando City, who shares his journey and experiences with the club. Muzzi discusses his initial curiosity about Orlando City, the challenges he faced in his early days, and the key player signings that shaped the team's success. He emphasizes the importance of building a competitive academy and creating pathways for youth players. The conversation also touches on the evolving structure of MLS, the significance of the Open Cup victory, and Muzzi's deep connection to Orlando City and the community.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Orlando City and Guest Luis Muzzi00:58 Luis Muzzi's Journey to Orlando City05:10 First Impressions and Challenges at Orlando City07:58 Key Player Signings and Early Decisions13:49 Building the Academy and Youth Development19:12 Future of the Academy and Residency Programs22:44 Growth of MLS and Its Impact on Soccer in the U.S.25:15 Understanding MLS Mechanics and Future Directions29:13 The Trade-Offs of Competitive Balance in MLS30:50 Aligning MLS with Global Transfer Windows35:09 Building a Culture Beyond the Field37:49 Memorable Moments: The Open Cup Victory41:04 The Impact of Iconic Players42:54 Mentorship and Team Dynamics44:50 Game Day Rituals and Superstitions48:59 The Emotional Connection to Orlando City50:46 Favorite Local Spots and Community LoveHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: /@loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of Forever a Lion, host John Rawlins speaks with Bitielo Jean Jacques, a former player and current coach at the Orlando City Academy. They discuss Bitielo's journey from Haiti to playing professionally in the US, his experiences with Orlando City, and the transition from player to coach. Bitielo shares insights on the growth of the academy, memorable moments from his playing career, and the importance of developing young talent. The conversation also touches on game day rituals, favorite players, and what Orlando City means to him personally.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:57 Bitielo's Journey to Orlando City05:26 Transitioning from Player to Coach11:08 Experiences in the USL and Personal Challenges16:59 The Growth of the Orlando City Academy22:46 Memorable Moments in Playing and Coaching23:29 Celebrating the GA Cup Victory24:28 The Academy's Growth and Opportunities25:12 Proud Moments: Youth National Team Call-ups26:22 Favorite Players and Connections29:00 The Heart of Orlando City: Kay Rollins31:14 Game Day Rituals: From Player to Coach36:36 Personal Connection to Orlando City37:37 Spotlighting Future Stars39:43 Favorite Orlando SpotsHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: @loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of Forever a Lion, host John Rawlins sits down with Jhamie Chin, a long-time friend and former colleague at Orlando City. They discuss Jhamie's journey from being a fan to working in various roles within the club, his experiences during the early days of Orlando City, and the memorable moments that shaped his career. Jhamie shares insights about the community connection, favorite players, and the evolution of the club, as well as his transition to working with the Portland Timbers and eventually FIFA. The conversation highlights the passion and camaraderie that define the Orlando City experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Orlando City Stories01:55 Jhamie Chin's Journey to Orlando City05:12 Early Memories of Orlando City07:11 Internship Experiences and Growth10:27 Transitioning to Full-Time Roles13:21 The Fun and Challenges of Working at Orlando City16:06 Career Progression and Moving to Portland20:19 From Portland to Chicago and Beyond23:27 Current Role at FIFA and Reflections on Orlando City24:03 Nostalgic Off-Field Memories26:25 Creative Content and Community Engagement29:47 Memorable On-Field Moments32:10 Favorite Players and Personal Connections35:28 The Heart of Orlando City: Community and Family37:33 Orlando's Favorite Spots and Local CultureHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of Forever a Lion, host John Rawlins sits down with Jamie Watson, a key figure in the history of Orlando City Soccer Club. They discuss Jamie's journey from the Austin Aztex to becoming a beloved player in Orlando, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the impact of coaching, and the memorable moments that shaped the club's identity. Jamie reflects on the significance of fan engagement and the evolution of Orlando City, emphasizing the connections formed both on and off the field. As they reminisce about the past, they also look forward to the future of the club and the role of its supporters in its ongoing success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Orlando City and Jamie Watson

01:33 Jamie Watson's Journey: From Austin to Orlando

02:42 The Humble Beginnings in Austin

04:59 Lessons Learned: Growth Through Adversity

10:48 The Impact of Coaching: Adrian Heath's Influence

12:36 Transitioning to Orlando: A New Era Begins

14:09 Memorable Moments: Celebrating Success and Community

17:02 Building Community Connections: The Role of Fans

19:03 Reflections on Game Days: The Atmosphere of Citrus Bowl

24:26 Cherishing Relationships: The People Behind the Club

28:01 The Importance of Legacy: Acknowledging the Past

32:23 Looking Ahead: The Future of Orlando City

37:41 Personal Connections: Favorite Spots in Orlando

Hosted and Produced by John Rawlins.

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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For more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlando

Graphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of the Forever a Lion Orlando City podcast, host John Rawlins interviews former player Luke Boden, who shares his journey from Sheffield, England, to joining Orlando City in its inaugural season. Luke discusses the strong sense of community within the team, memorable moments from his time in USL, and the challenges of transitioning to MLS. He reflects on his favorite teammates, coaching insights from Adrian Heath, and the importance of player accessibility to fans. Luke also shares his game day rituals, favorite spots in Orlando, and his pride in the club's growth and success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Orlando City and Luke Bowden01:18 Luke's Journey to Orlando City04:00 First Impressions and Team Dynamics06:28 Community Engagement and Fan Interaction09:12 Transition from USL to MLS10:53 Memorable Matches and Achievements12:43 Favorite Teammates and Influences15:59 Tactical Insights and Game Day Rituals18:46 Life After Playing and Coaching21:22 Reflections on Orlando City and Community26:14 Final Thoughts and Future AspirationsHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

SummaryIn this episode, John Rawlins interviews Miguel Gallardo, the first signed player of Orlando City, who shares his journey from being a player to a broadcaster. Miguel reflects on his deep connection with the club, his favorite memories both on and off the field, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the evolution of Orlando City from its early days in USL to its current status in MLS, highlighting the friendships and experiences that have shaped his life. Miguel also shares insights into his game day rituals and what Orlando City means to him personally, along with his favorite spots in the city.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Miguel Gallardo and Orlando City02:05 Miguel's Journey with Orlando City09:42 Early Challenges and Triumphs18:06 Memorable Off-Field Experiences20:48 On-Field Highlights and Achievements25:00 The Meaning Behind Tattoos and Achievements26:12 Memorable Teammates and Their Impact29:46 Game Day Rituals: From Player to Pundit36:19 Community Engagement and Youth Development38:14 Orlando City: A Personal Connection39:10 Favorite Orlando Spots and Local CultureHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of the Forever a Lion podcast, host John Rawlins interviews Scott Sutter, a former professional soccer player who played for Orlando City. Scott shares his journey from playing in Europe to joining Orlando City, his experiences on and off the field, and his transition into coaching and commentary. He reflects on memorable moments with the team, the importance of community, and his personal connections to Orlando. Scott also discusses his favorite places in the city and expresses gratitude for the support he has received from fans and the organization.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scott Sutter01:24 Scott's Journey to Orlando City07:50 Settling into Orlando City13:08 Memorable Off-Field Experiences21:26 On-Field Highlights and Goals24:09 Nostalgia and Favorite Players25:42 Reflections on Playing with Kaká28:08 Connections Beyond the Field31:01 The Joy of Game Days40:15 Personal Significance of Orlando City47:05 Emerging Talents in Orlando CityHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCFACEBOOK - facebook.com/jrawlins2INSTAGRAM - instagram.com/johnrawlinsBLUESKY - bsky.app/profile/jrorlando.bsky.socialTHREADS - threads.com/@johnrawlinsFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlandoGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.works

In this episode of Forever a Lion, host John Rawlins speaks with Taylor Williams from Orlando City UK about his journey as a fan and supporter of Orlando City Soccer Club. Taylor shares his experiences from the early days of following MLS, the evolution of his supporter group, and memorable moments both on and off the field. The conversation delves into the significance of community, the impact of players like Nani and Kaka, and the personal connection Taylor has with the club amidst life's challenges. The episode concludes with a discussion on favorite Orlando spots and the importance of soccer as an escape.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Orlando City UK01:34 Taylor Williams' Journey with Orlando City05:42 The Inaugural MLS Game Experience09:44 Building a Community Around Orlando City12:09 Memorable Off-Field Experiences16:28 Celebrating the First Trophy20:41 Favorite Players and Their Impact24:10 The Legacy of Nani24:42 Community Connections and Personal Relationships27:14 Game Day Rituals and Coverage32:56 The Meaning of Orlando City37:20 Favorite Orlando Spots and ExperiencesHosted and Produced by John Rawlins.FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:X (twitter)- x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSC

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In this episode of the Forever a Lion podcast, host John Rawlins interviews Luis Carlos Pineda. They discuss Luis's journey covering Orlando City, his experiences as a fan, and the evolution of the club. The conversation highlights memorable moments both on and off the field, the significance of community engagement, and the personal impact of Orlando City on Luis's life. They also touch on game day rituals, favorite players, and the vibrant soccer culture in Orlando.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest02:22 Luis Carlos Pineda's Journey to Orlando City08:08 The Impact of Orlando City on Fans and Community14:14 Memorable Off-Field Experiences18:27 On-Field Highlights and Favorite Moments21:04 The Legacy of Nani and Club Evolution23:57 Celebrating Connections: Favorite Orlando City Figures26:26 Game Day Rituals: The Commitment of a Fan32:37 The Role of Community: Building a Soccer Culture35:57 Legacy and Impact: More Than Just a Game40:16 Personal Ties: What Orlando City Means to Me42:15 Favorite Spots: Orlando's Hidden GemsHost and Producer by John Rawlins - x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.worksFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlando

SummaryIn this episode of Forever a Lion, host John Rawlins interviews Dennis Chin, a former player for Orlando City. They discuss Chin's journey to the club, memorable moments on and off the field, the impact of coach Adrian Heath, and Chin's life after playing as he transitions into a role as a soccer agent. The conversation highlights the strong community ties and personal connections that define the Orlando City experience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dennis Chin and Orlando City02:48 Dennis Chin's Journey to Orlando City05:39 Memorable Moments and Team Culture11:18 On-Field Highlights and Achievements16:46 Favorite Players and Influential Figures19:16 Game Day Rituals and Evolution21:09 Love Story: Meeting My Wife23:03 The Bond with Orlando City25:20 Personal Connection to Orlando City28:07 Favorite Spots in Orlando30:26 Life After Playing: Becoming an Agent36:11 Final Thoughts and Support for the ClubHost and Producer by John Rawlins - x.com/JohnRawlinsOCSCGraphic Design by Ozz Works - instagram.com/ozz.worksFor more Orlando City content check out the Loud & Proud Orlando YouTube channel: / @loudandproudorlando