They were declared 2013 USL Pro Champions after beating Charlotte Eagles 7–4 in front of 20,886 fans at the Fifth Third Bank Field at the Citrus Bowl.

The first set of returning players was announced on November 7, 2012, including Jamie Watson, Miguel Gallardo, Rob Valentino, Anthony Pulis, Mechack Jérôme and Adama Mbengue.

[3] The biggest news regarding the fixture was the announcement of a home-and-away series of preseason friendlies with Tampa Bay Rowdies of the North American Soccer League.

[10] The most important part of the preseason for Orlando City was a local derby with the 2012 North American Soccer League champion Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Additionally, the Lions also beat the Rowdies, 2–0, when they met in the 7th place game of the 2013 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic on February 23.