Ambrose, 22, was one of OCB’s first player signings ahead of the team’s inaugural 2016 season in the United Soccer League (USL). The left back has featured in 18 games for OCB and is a mainstay in Head Coach Anthony Pulis’ starting XI. Ambrose spent time in the FC Dallas Academy before playing three years at the University of Maryland, where he made 71 appearances and won two ACC and one Big Ten Conference tournament championships. The El Paso, Texas, native scored one goal in seven appearances for the U.S. U-17, U-18 and U-20 national teams.
Rocha, who was also among OCB’s first signings, has one goal and two assists in 19 USL games this season. The Club announced yesterday it acquired Rocha’s College Protected Priority from Sporting Kansas City in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The 22-year-old was called up for both of Orlando City’s matches in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC acquires the Rights of First Refusal on Mikey Ambrose from FC Dallas in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft on Aug. 4, 2016. The Club also signs Ambrose and midfielder Tony Rocha to MLS contracts.
Name: Michael Ambrose
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birth Date: Oct. 5, 1993
Birthplace: El Paso, TX
Citizenship: USA
Name: Antonio Rocha
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birth Date: Aug. 21, 1993
Birthplace: Spring, TX
Citizenship: USA
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
With three major professional teams, Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) has established itself as one of the preeminent Clubs in professional soccer.
One of the leading teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and the most-searched MLS team in 2015 according to Google, the Lions have developed a rich history and passionate following since starting in the USL in 2011. In their inaugural MLS season, Orlando City set a league attendance record for an expansion team, drawing an average of 32,847 fans per home game – including 62,500 in the home opener – and became the fastest team in MLS history to host a half million fans. Orlando City has not only captured the passion of soccer fans in the City Beautiful, it continues to build its global brand as its matches are broadcast in 140 countries and in 30 languages.
The Orlando Pride, OCSC’s National Women’s Soccer League franchise, will begin league play in 2016 – bringing professional women’s soccer to Orlando for the first time. The team is led by renowned Head Coach Tom Sermanni, former manager for the Australian and U.S. women’s national teams.
Orlando City B (OCB) participates in the USL beginning in the 2016 season. The team plays its home matches at Titan Soccer Complex on the campus of Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne, Fla. OCB continues the Club’s rich history in the rapidly growing league. From 2011 to 2014, Orlando City set the U.S. record for best start of any professional soccer club in its first 100 USL matches (66-12-22), winning three regular season titles and two postseason championships.
OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS). Lastly, the Orlando City Foundation is active in the community year round, promoting health and wellness in children throughout the region, and raising funds for and volunteering time for various local organizations.
For more information, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com, www.Orlando-Pride.com, www.OrlandoCityB.com, www.OrlandoCityYouth.organd www.OrlandoCitySC.com/Foundation.