Disney has grand plans for Pro Soccer Classic

[epjr]

Vision also includes largest player combine in the world


ORLANDO, Fla. – Dreaming big is what Disney is all about.

Organizers of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic, which kicks off here on Thursday, have a grand vision of transforming the tournament into one of the most important soccer events of the calendar year.

Early discussions will take place this weekend between MLS league officials and representatives from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex about future preseason plans and how more – if not all MLS teams – could potentially participate.

Also among the topics of conversation will be the idea of organizing the largest international combine anywhere in the world in which youth players under 23 can showcase themselves for MLS coaches and scouts.

“I’d love to see us build a property in conjunction with MLS and this preseason opportunity,” said Patrick thingys, senior sports manager for Disney Sports. “It would be a way to find those 18- to 23-year-old players from the US and around the world who want to be seen by MLS clubs.”

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/disney-has-grand-plans-pro-soccer-classic


LIVE: FCD-Orlando City
Watch as Disney Classic gets underway in Orlando

[epjr]

FCD see off spirited Orlando 1-0 in Disney opener

Rodríguez nets as Dallas hold off challenge from 3rd-div. side

ORLANDO, Fla. – FC Dallas overcame stiff opposition from USL-Pro side Orlando City to take a 1-0 victory in the opener of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Thursday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Colombian forward Milton Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game in the 30th minute and FC Dallas made it hold up and will face the winner of the Houston Dynamo vs. Toronto FC match on Saturday at 8 pm ET (live stream on ESPN3.com).

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/fcd-see-spirited-orlando-1-0-disney-opener


Dynamo top TFC at Disney, set up all-Texas final

Houston rally to beat Toronto 3-2, to face FC Dallas on Saturday

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Houston Dynamo registered yet another preseason victory on Thursday with a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC to close out the first day of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The Dynamo’s victory sets up an all-Texas MLS final on Saturday night as Houston will meet FC Dallas, 1-0 winners over Orlando City in the opening matchup of the night. Toronto FC will take on Orlando City in Saturday’s third-place match.

After a four-goal first half in which Toronto FC twice took the lead only to see Houston equalize on both occasions, second-half substitute Cam Weaver broke the tie on a header to give Houston the lead for good.

It was Toronto winger Jacob Peterson who got the scoring underway when he ran onto a through-ball into the box and deposited the ball under the crossbar after only seven minutes of play.

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dynamo-top-tfc-disney-set-all-texas-final

[epjr]

Orlando City spring tourney upset on Toronto FC

TFC struggle in Disney Classic match, burned by late goal

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/orlando-city-spring-tourney-upset-toronto-fc


FC Dallas win Disney Classic in dramatic finale

PKs decide heated rivals' latest after Luna, Navas Cobo score

ORLANDO – FC Dallas needed a penalty kick shootout to see off Texas rivals Houston Dynamo in the final of the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on Saturday night at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

Second half substitute Chris Seitz saved Houston’s opening penalty kick from Lovel Palmer and Brek Shea netted the fifth and decisive kick for FC Dallas as the defending Western Conference champs avenged a heavy 4-0 preseason loss back on Feb. 12.

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/fc-dallas-win-disney-classic-dramatic-finale