ORLANDO, Fla. – Nov. 3, 2015 –Orlando City SC today announced it has named renowned sporting executive and former General Director of S.L. Benfica’s Academy, Armando Carneiro, as the Club’s Chief Soccer Officer effective immediately, pending approval from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).



In this new role, Carneiro, 53, will serve as head of competition, overseeing all of soccer operations and staff for the Club’s three professional teams—Orlando City SC in the MLS, the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and Orlando City B in the United Soccer League (USL)—along with Orlando City’s Youth Academy. He will report to Club Founder and President Phil Rawlins.



“Our goal is to be one of the best Clubs in the world, both in the men’s and women’s games. Therefore it is imperative that we bring in someone with worldwide soccer experience to guide our success,” said Rawlins. “Armando has a wealth of experience in international soccer. We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone with his track-record to join our organization and to help us move Orlando City to the next level in the global soccer scheme.”



“Orlando City is at a very exciting stage, coming off a strong first year in MLS and with the launch of the Orlando Pride and OCB teams,” said Carneiro. “I am excited for the opportunity to help direct the growth and contribute to the overall success of the Club well into the future. I look forward to working with the entire technical staff – from the first team through the academy – to further strengthen Orlando City’s performance.”



From 2010-2015, Benfica’s Academy grew in prominence under the direction of Carneiro, achieving:

30 Youth championships

40 International youth tournaments

55 Current national team players across all age groups

Currently ranked as top three academy programs worldwide

Following a historic inaugural MLS season, the Lions travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take on one of the most celebrated and successful clubs in the Brazilian Série A, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo on Nov. 15. The match will be streamed live on www.OrlandoCitySC.com.