Ocala Stampede
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| Full name | Ocala Stampede |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The Stampede |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Dissolved | 2015 |
| Stadium | MCYFL Stadium at Jervey Gantt Park Ocala, Florida |
| Stadium capacity |
3,000 |
| Owner | Bill Reed |
| General Manager | Tiodis Francisco Martinez |
| Coach | Cheyne Roberts |
| League | Premier Development League |
| 2015 | 1st, Southeast Playoffs: Southern Conference Champions |
| Website | Club home page |
Ocala Stampede was an American soccer club based in Ocala, Florida that played in the Premier Development League, the fourth division of the American soccer pyramid.
Ocala Stampede was granted a franchise in the PDL on December 28, 2011, and began play in the 2012 PDL season. The Stampede was founded as a Christian sports ministry, much like fellow PDL side, Mississippi Brilla, as well as several other outlets in the Southeastern United States.
2012 Season: The Stampede started off their history with a bang, going unbeaten in their first four contests (3–0–1). Their first ever victory was over VSI Tampa Bay FC, 4–2 on May 6, 2012. After their momentum was temporarily derailed, a mid-season coaching change (Matt Weston taking over for the departing Anderson DaSilva), helped the team quickly get back on their feet and end the season on another unbeaten streak, this time eight games (7–0–1). This helped propel the team to win the Southeast Division of the PDL Southern Conference, which enabled them to be one of four host cities for the 2012 USL-PDL playoffs (round of 16 and round of 8). Their record was 11 Wins, 3 Losses and 2 Ties. The Stampede was defeated by the Austin Aztex 3–2 in the Conference Semifinals.
2013 Season: Through winning their division in 2012, the Stampede qualified for the 2013 US Open Cup. They defeated Red Force FC 4–2 in the first round on May 14, then lost to USLPro's Orlando City 2–1 on May 21.
The 2013 regular season saw a new coach, former Charlotte Eagles player Cheyne Roberts, and a virtually new roster from top to bottom (all 11 starters were new in 2013). Even with wholesale changeover, the team was again able to make its mark. Their 40 goals scored was tied for 2nd most in the PDL. They again won the PDL Southeast Division title in 2013 with a record of 11 Wins, 3 Losses and no Ties. The Stampede lost to the Laredo Heat 2–0 in the Conference Semifinals.
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