ORLANDO, Fla. — The Premier League made its return to Orlando on Wednesday night with the first-ever Summer Series, the league's first preseason tournament held in the United States. 

Six clubs from England’s top soccer league are touring the United States this summer. On Wednesday night, Fulham FC and Aston Villa FC made a stop at Exploria Stadium. 

Before the match, both clubs got to spend some time in the Orlando community, joining with the Boys and Girls Club of Florida, hosting a community showcase at Universal. The Summer Series is emphasizing community engagement activities in its host cities through the league’s education initiative, Premier League Summer Stars. 

Both clubs entered Orlando after playing matches in Philadelphia earlier in the week. Fulham beat Brentford 3-2 and Aston Villa drew against Newcastle. 

On Wednesday night, the teams and fans got the full Florida experience in the summertime. Fans crowded the concourses and players stayed off the pitch while the stadium was in an inclement weather delay with thunder and lightning in the area. The match, originally scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., began at 8:20. Attendance was reported as 16,134 for the match. 

“We were late today, the match started later than the beginning we planned but the supporters still waiting for us and of course we are very thankful for them to support us, to support Fulham and to support the Premier League,” said Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.

Aston Villa broke through for the 2-0 win with goals from Jaden Philogene and Moussa Diaby in each half. Both managers agreed it was the support from the fans in Orlando that made this match a great experience.

“I can tell you one of the good things this summer series gives us as a coach, we don’t really need to push them because the environment will give them the boost in terms of motivation that they need,” said Fulham manager Marco Silva.