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          Orlando to host 2019 MLS All-Star Game

          • Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentSep 13, 2018, 06:50 PM
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              Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPN FC.

          The city of Orlando along with Orlando City SC has been chosen to host the 2019 MLS All-Star Game, both the team and MLS announced on Thursday.

          The event will be held at Orlando City Stadium, while the opponent and actual date of the game are still to be determined. Since opening in 2017, attendance for Orlando City's matches has been more than 99 percent of the stadium's 25,500 capacity.

          "Orlando City SC has played an important role in the rise and advancement of Major League Soccer during the past few years, and we are pleased to bring the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target to this passionate soccer market," said MLS commissioner Don Garber.

          "Next summer, Orlando will be the gathering place for soccer in North America with nearly a week of festivities and meetings. Orlando City Stadium is a world-class venue, and we know the supporters within the Wall will provide incredible energy and support for the MLS All-Stars."

          The event will mark the second time that the MLS All-Star Game has been held in Orlando. The 1998 edition was held at the Citrus Bowl and was attended by over 34,000 fans who watched a team of MLS All-Stars from the U.S. defeat league stars from the rest of the world, 6-1. The U.S. goals were scored by Tab Ramos, Alexi Lalas, Brian McBride, Preki, Roy Lassiter and Cobi Jones.

          "We are extremely proud to have been selected to host the 2019 MLS All-Star Game and all of the events that make All-Star week," said Orlando City SC chairman and majority owner Flavio Augusto da Silva.

          "This gives us another significant opportunity to welcome national and international soccer to Central Florida, and we couldn't be prouder of our fans for embracing our club and creating the passionate atmosphere that is giving us the opportunity to bring this event to Orlando City Stadium."

          The festivities leading up to the match will include the MLS All-Star Concert, as well as various community events involving the MLS WORKS, the league's charitable arm.