ORLANDO (August 11, 2015) – Orlando City SC today announced the return of former Lions stalwart Rob Valentino, naming him assistant coach of the Club’s USL franchise, set to begin play in 2016. The former City captain will join the technical staff along with Anthony Pulis, who was recently named head coach of the team.



“We’re extremely thrilled to welcome Rob Valentino back home,” said Orlando City Founder and President Phil Rawlins. “Rob has always been a part of the Orlando City family and played a key role in our push to becoming the ‘Soccer Capital of the South.’ We know he’ll be a great addition alongside Anthony Pulis, and we look forward to working with him again.”



Valentino joined Orlando City in 2011 in the team’s inaugural season in the City Beautiful, scoring nine goals in 77 appearances as a center-back. Valentino’s résumé includes three Regular Season USL championships and two postseason titles with the Lions – becoming a Club legend during his playing career with Orlando City.



The center-back was originally drafted 13th overall by the New England Revolution in the 2008 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft.