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Before the Lions: How a Bold New Yorker Brought Professional Soccer to Orlando

In 2010, Phil Rawlins moved from Austin to Orlando to found Orlando City. But it was another businessman who brought professional soccer to Orlando.

Everyone has heard the story of how Phil Rawlins moved from Austin, TX, to Orlando and founded Orlando City SC. But Rawlins wasn't the one that brought the USL to Orlando.

In 1994, Rochester, NY, native Steve Donner returned to his hometown. Over the previous 11 years, Donner had worked in the marketing departments of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning and wanted to use that experience to help the city he loved.