The fourth round draw has taken place and Orlando City now knows how their U.S Open Cup campaign will start.
Well, they don’t quite know yet. But they know that they will host the winner of Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Orlando City Stadium the second week of June.
Miami FC will host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at FIU Stadium on Wednesday, May 31st at 7:30pm. Miami FC, of the North American Soccer League (NASL), defeated the South Florida Surf (PDL) 3-2 on Wednesday night, earning them a trip to the third round. The Tampa Bay Rowdies, of the United Soccer League (USL), hosted the Jacksonville Armada U-23s on Tuesday night and defeated them 3-0.
This won’t be the first match between Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The teams were regional rivals when Tampa was still in the NASL-- but the Rowdies left after the end of last season and joined USL. Last season, both of the matches between Tampa and Miami ended in draws.
Orlando City Stadium has been a fortress for the Lions this season, and the team is hoping that the trend continues into their U.S Open Cup tournament. The winner of the U.S Open Cup will earn a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League next year.
