While it is typically March that roars in, April has been off to a roaring start for the Orlando City Lions.  The club is off to a three-game win streak, and shows no signs of letting up any time soon. A big part of the strong start has been you, the fans.

On April 15, our fans set a new regular season record for attendance at 8,412.  The support we’ve received from the community has been amazing, and we know we’re just getting started.  Even more impressive is the atmosphere created by the supporters, going beyond the 2011 Championship Game and finding ways to raise the level of passion to new  heights.

“You know to play in front of such passionate fans is great,” said James O’Connor following the home opener. “They never stop singing. It’s a great atmosphere for us as players to play in and we really appreciate that.”

“I thought the atmosphere here was brilliant from the first minute to the last minute they (the fans) made their presence felt, and it makes such a difference to the lads when you got those kind of supporters behind you,” said an ecstatic Anthony Pulis. “A massive thank you to the fans. It’s like having a twelfth man.”

Both Pulis and O’Connor are used to raucous soccer crowds, having played at Stoke City in England.  One of our newest American signings, Kyle Davies, was equally impressed by the noise level.

“I was surprised how loud it was,” said Davies. “It gave everybody that extra buzz.”

Even Dennis Chin, one of the original Orlando City Lions, was impressed by the support after just one home game in 2012.

 “It’s the best sports atmosphere I’ve ever experienced in Orlando and even throughout the whole of Florida,” said Chin.

The challenge for the supporters is to find a way to raise their efforts.  Don Garber made it clear that he wanted to see an increase in attendance for Orlando City to make the jump to MLS.  A new attendance record every week will go a long way in showing MLS that we won’t be ignored.

To do your part and show MLS just how passionate the fans in the City Beautiful are, call 855-ORL-CITY to get your tickets for Saturday’s match against Richmond today!