ORLANDO, Fla.- Orlando City SC received a big boost in its quest to bring Major League Soccer (MLS) to Central Florida, with the Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously recommending approval of a plan that includes funding of $20 million from Tourist Development Tax (TDT) for a downtown multi-purpose soccer stadium. A recommendation will be given to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, who will ultimately have the final vote of approval.

Friday’s meeting completed the second of two public workshops in which Orlando City SC made its case to complete a financing plan using TDT. The club’s President Phil Rawlins presented to the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday and then followed up with a presentation to the TDC on Friday. Both workshops were held at the County Administration Building in downtown Orlando.

A vote on the $20 million of TDT dollars toward a downtown soccer venue is expected at a later date.

Securing a stadium-funding plan will allow club officials to complete expansion negotiations with Major League Soccer (MLS) with the goal to have a franchise awarded in 2013. The team would begin play in MLS by Spring 2015.

For more information, visit OrlandoCitySoccer.com.