MLIS Expands South with Addition of Atlético Orlando FC

Chicago, Ill., September 26, 2024 – Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS) announced today its expansion into Central Florida with the addition of Atlético Orlando FC.

Last season, Atlético Orlando FC competed in the Major Arena Soccer League 2 (MASL2). The team finished second in the M2 Eastern Division and advanced to the playoffs.

“The vast majority of this team is still intact,” says Don Roper, principal shareholder of Atlético Orlando FC. “We believe we will be very competitive and … provide entertaining soccer for fans to enjoy.”

The organization has secured Sofive Lake Nona [XL Soccer World] as its home venue, located just 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport. The state-of-the-art facility is fairly new and well-suited to provide fans with the ultimate game-day experience, according to Roper.

Roper emphasized the organization's immediate focus on ramping up marketing, sponsorship and merchandise efforts, noting that MLIS will provide an excellent opportunity to expand the team's front office and visibility. Additionally, the team aims to fill the off-season gap for professional soccer fans in the Orlando area.

“Our long-term goals are to bring high-energy, exciting and consistently successful [professional] indoor soccer action back to Central Florida, especially during the Orlando City SC and Major League Soccer offseason,” Roper says.

Alex Flores, a principal shareholder and general manager, will act as the team's head coach for the upcoming season. Additionally, over the past few years, the team has benefited from regular scrimmages with the Florida Tropics, a team in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL). 

Looking ahead, Atlético Orlando FC is committed to building its brand and academy for both indoor and outdoor soccer, with a focus on the indoor league.

“We want to show the entire world that [professional] indoor soccer can be highly successful in Central Florida,” Roper says.