After a two-season absence due to COVID-19, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is back and so is the eagerly anticipated return of the I-4 Derby.
With Orlando City SC facing old minor league rivals Tampa Bay Rowdies competitively for the first time since 2014, this intriguing third round clash is dripping in nostalgia.
It’s the first time Orlando City SC have faced Tampa Bay Rowdies in a competitive fixture as an MLS franchise.
This 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup instalment of the I-4 Derby will take place at Exploria Stadium after originally being scheduled to take place at Osceola County Stadium.
Not facing each other for so long, the hardcore Orlando City SC supporters are sure to make it an intimidating atmosphere.
In round two, Tampa Bay Rowdies comfortably beat fellow Floridian side The Villages SC 6-0.
Coached by Scotsman Neill Collins, the former Wolves, Leeds United and Sheffield United defender, Rowdies sit third in the USL Championship Eastern Conference.
Going 3-3-1 so far this season, Tampa Bay Rowdies are, of course, huge underdogs. However, they’ll be determined to finally get one over their old adversaries.
It’s worth noting, Orlando City SC are entering the U.S. Open Cup a round earlier than usual this year.
Previously entering at the fourth round stage, the cup has been newly formatted post-pandemic.
Before we dive into the stats, this is Orlando City SC‘s first U.S. Open Cup fixture for 988 days!
Defeated 0-2 by Atlanta United at the semi-final stage of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a good cup run this year would be extremely welcome for Oscar Pareja‘s Lions.
Orlando City SC vs Tampa Bay Rowdies – 2013/20 head-to-head stats
Orlando City SC and Tampa Bay Rowdies last met competitively way back in 2014.
However, when you include friendlies, the Florida rivals met more recently in February 2022.
Rowdies travelled up Interstate 4 to contest a behind-closed-doors scrimmage at Exploria Stadium, helping City prepare for their 2022 MLS campaign.
Despite not being backed by our vociferous support, Tesho Akindele, Mauricio Pereyra (penalty) and Jack Lynn all scored to cancel out Jake LaCava’s 21st minute opener.
This was Orlando City SC‘s only victory in six 2022 pre-season fixtures.
Elsewhere, this was the second time Rowdies had faced Orlando City SC‘s first team at Exploria Stadium following another scrimmage in February 2020.
To Orlando City SC supporters’ delight, Tampa Bay Rowdies infamously have yet to defeat the Lions in NINE attempts.
Across all competitions (including friendlies), Orlando City SC have won EIGHT of the NINE head-to-heads.
This includes 3-2 (first leg) and 2-3 (second leg) victories over Rowdies in the 2013 I-4 Derby presented by United World Soccer.
A year later, Orlando City SC won the 2014 I-4 Derby, defending their honour with 3-0 (first leg) and 2-3 (second leg) victories.
Our only draw (0-0) against Rowdies came in a closed-door scrimmage at Sylvan Lake Park in February 2017.
Often chanted on the terraces at Exploria Stadium, the “Rowdies tell me how it feels” song is inspired by this proud unbeaten record.
Tampa Bay Rowdies 2 (4) Orlando City SC 3 (6) – Highlights – March 30, 2013 (Credit: Orlando City SC)
Across the aforementioned nine head-to-heads, Orlando City SC have outscored Tampa Bay Rowdies 23 to 9.
The Lions’ most emphatic victory over Rowdies actually came in the third round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
A Kevin Molino brace and strikes from Austin da Luz and Adama Mbengue saw Adrian Heath‘s side prevail 4-1 over Ricky Hill’s Rowdies.
This result set up a fourth round meeting with Colorado Rapids but the MLS side defeated Orlando City SC 5-2 in Commerce City.
Orlando City SC 4 Tampa Bay Rowdies 1 – Highlights – May 28, 2014 (Credit: Orlando City SC)
Orlando City SC form
Reflecting on Orlando City SC‘s short history in the U.S. Open Cup, our most recent campaign was our most successful.
Indeed, in 2019, James O’Connor‘s Lions went all the way to the semi-final stage.
But unfortunately, eventual winners Atlanta United eliminated City 0-2 at Exploria Stadium.
Despite missing Josef Martínez, The Five Stripes bossed the game and deserved their place in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.
In the ninety, Orlando City SC simply failed to take their chances when they presented themselves.
With Dom Dwyer and Sacha Kljestan getting the best looks on Brad Guzan’s goal, Atlanta United ruthlessly took their chances and we didn’t.
Tampa Bay Rowdies form
After Saturday’s 0-2 win at Columbus Crew, Orlando City SC currently sit second in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay Rowdies also won at the weekend too, defeating FC Tulsa 3-1 at Al Lang Stadium.
With goals from Lewis Hilton, Kyle Greig and Dayonn Harris, the victory leaves Rowdies third in the USL Championship Eastern Conference on 12 points.
All in all, Rowdies have won three, drawn three, and lost just one game to start 2022.
It’s fair to say Neill Collins’ side are in good shape heading into this 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fixture.
Rowdies’ only league defeat so far was to Miami FC back on April 9 (0-1).
Miami FC themselves will host Inter Miami in the other all-Florida matchup in the third round.
Tampa Bay Rowdies 3 FC Tulsa 1 – Highlights – April 16, 2022 (Credit: USL Championship)
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