Orlando Sharks to Make Debut as New Central Florida Indoor Soccer Team
An exciting era for Orlando sports begins on October 26, 2007, when Central Florida's new professional indoor soccer team, the Orlando Sharks, opens its inaugural season against the New Jersey Ironmen. The Sharks will play all of their 15 home matches at the Amway Arena in downtown Orlando.
As part of the the eight-team Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), the Orlando Sharks will compete against the likes of three-time MISL Champion Baltimore Blast, California Cougars, Chicago Storm, Detroit Ignition, 2004-05 MISL Champion Milwaukee Wave, New Jersey Ironmen and defending MISL Champion Philadelphia Kixx during the 2007-08 MISL season. The MISL (originally known as the American Indoor Soccer Association and then the National Professional Soccer League) is currently in its 23rd consecutive year of operation. The best indoor soccer players from approximately 32 countries around the world compete annually in the MISL.
Each soccer team in the MISL plays a 30-match schedule during the 2007-08 MISL season. In addition, the 2008 MISL Championship Series will consist of six MISL Member Clubs competing in three rounds: the Quarterfinal Round, which will take place April 11-13, 2008; the Semifinal Round, which will take place April 18-20, 2008; and the Championship Series Final, which will take place on April 26, 2008, at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jake Dancy, a former member of the U.S. National Soccer Team, has been named head coach of the Orlando Sharks for the 2007-08 inaugural season.
Orlando Sharks home game theme nights for the 2007-08 inaugural season include the Opening Night Gala, Fiesta Caliente, Key West Beach Party, Hoe Down in Downtown, Dean Wormer's Toga Party, Shark's Christmas Party, New Year's Eve, British Invasion, Orlando Sharks Idol, Friday Night Phever, Mardi Gras, Night of Lights Faith & Family Night, Olanako Luau, Mascot Cup Showdown and Fan Appreciation Night.
"The Orlando Sharks will make a bright addition to the Central Florida sports scene," said Kyle Collins, Director of Interactive Marketing for HotelsCorp.com. "With tickets starting as low as $16, Sharks games will provide fast-paced and affordable entertainment for the entire family."
Orlando Sharks 2007-08 Schedule (home games highlighted in bold)
Friday, October 26, 2007, 7:35 PM - New Jersey Ironmen - Opening Night Gala
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 7:35 PM - Baltimore Blast - Fiesta Caliente
Saturday, November 10, 2007, 7:35 PM - At Baltimore Blast
Saturday, November 17, 2007, 6 PM - At Milwaukee Wave
Wednesday, November 21, 2007, 7:35 PM - California Cougars - Key West Beach Party
Friday, November 30, 2007, 7 PM - At Chicago Storm
Saturday, December 1, 2007, 7:35 PM - Chicago Storm - Hoe Down in Downtown
Thursday, December 6, 2007, 8:30 PM - At Monterrey
Saturday, December 8, 2007, 7:35 PM - New Jersey Ironmen - Dean Wormer's Toga Party
Friday, December 14, 2007, 7:35 PM - Detroit Ignition - Sharks Christmas Party
Saturday, December 15, 2007, 7:05 PM - At Philadelphia Kixx
Friday, December 21, 2007, 8 PM - At New Jersey Ironmen
Saturday, December 29, 2007, 7 PM - At Chicago Storm
Monday, December 31, 2007, 7:35 PM - Philadelphia Kixx - New Year's Eve
Saturday, January 5, 2008, 7:35 PM - Milwaukee Wave - British Invasion
Saturday, January 12, 2008, 7:05 PM - At Philadelphia
Friday, January 18, 2008, 7:35 PM - California Cougars - Orlando Sharks Idol
Friday, January 25, 2008, 7:35 PM - Philadelphia Kixx - Friday Night Phever
Sunday, January 27, 2008, 6:15 PM - At California Cougars
Saturday, February 2, 2008, 7:35 PM - At Baltimore Blast
Saturday, February 9, 2008, 7:35 PM - Baltimore Blast - Mardi Gras
Saturday, February 16, 2008, 7:35 PM - Monterrey - Night of Lights Faith and Family Night
Thursday, February 21, 2008, 8:30 PM - At Monterrey
Sunday, March 2, 2008, 7:30 PM - At New Jersey Ironmen
Friday, March 7, 2008, 7:35 PM - Detroit Ignition - Olanako Luau
Sunday, March 9, 2008, 2 PM - At Milwaukee Wave
Sunday, March 14, 2008, 7:35 PM - At Detroit Ignition
Saturday, March 22, 2008, 7:35 PM - Milwaukee Wave - Mascot Cup Showdown
Sunday, March 30, 2008, 6:15 PM - At California Cougars
Saturday, April 5, 2008, 7:35 PM - Chicago - Fan Appreciation Night
