Stoke City Adds Orlando Date To Their 2012 US Summer Tour

Stoke City, the oldest club in the Premier League (founded in 1863), has added a friendly against Orlando City to their 2012 US summer tour.

The friendly against Orlando City is the 18th announced friendly by a Premier League in North America this summer. Orlando City hosts Stoke City on Saturday, July 28, 2012 — the same day that Chelsea plays AC Milan 230 miles south of Orlando, in Miami.

In addition to the friendly against Stoke City, Orlando has announced that the club will play Nottingham Forest on Saturday, July 21.

Stoke City has now announced three dates for their US summer tour — with friendlies against Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City.

“This is the second consecutive year that we have been able to attract two top class English teams to Central Florida,” said Phil Rawlins, Orlando City President. “These games give our fans the chance to see international players like Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios competing against their favorite players from Orlando, right here in the Citrus Bowl. This shows the drawing power of having a club like Orlando City based here in the region.”

According to Orlando City, “Orlando City and Stoke City are partner clubs, but the connections go beyond the official footballing partnership.  The most obvious is Orlando City Owner/President Phil Rawlins.  Rawlins is a member of Stoke City’s Board of Directors, and holds a minority ownership stake in his hometown club.  Several former Stoke players have also suited up for the Lions since the club’s founding last year including current players Anthony Pulis and James O’Connor.”

Tickets start from $25.00. Call 1-855-ORL-CITY or email tickets@orlandocitysoccer.com to reserve your tickets today!