Rowdies are ready for Open Cup clash with Birmingham
Tampa Bay can make history tonight
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have never advanced past the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup. But with the new format of the competition this year, they have an opportunity. Thanks to MLS absentees and the best USL clubs of 2023 getting a bye to the Round of 32, the Rowdies have already matched their best tournament showing without even kicking a ball. But tonight, they have the opportunity to go one step further.
The Rowdies are coming off a forgettable 4-1 defeat in Memphis - Tampa Bay’s first loss of the campaign. In that match, Tampa Bay’s depth and composure was tested- a certainly providing a teaching moment for Head Coach Robbie Neilson.
Birmingham is coming off a 2-2 draw with Tulsa where Stefano Pinho rescued a late point for the Legion. Pinho loves Florida having won the NASL MVP while a member of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, while also scoring a ton of goals for Miami FC and also playing for Orlando City in MLS. The Brazilian striker scored the lone goal two weeks ago when Birmingham visited Miami, so he’s already on the scoresheet in this state this year, and also is leading the Open Cup in goals with four thus far.
Legion Head Coach Tom Soehn has experimented with a three man backline earlier in the season but now has reverted to a more familiar four-man defense.
Rowdies on the Open Cup:
“Every game is important to us. This is an opportunity to progress and hopefully win a trophy,” Neilson said. “I think it’s great. It’s something different than the league and progress and play teams we may not normally play.”
“I think it’s great competition,” said Rowdies forward Cal Jennings. “We’ve got a tough opponent coming up in Birmingham. There’s a lot on the line. I would say there’s a great opportunity for us to advance through the tournament this year and make history… but first and foremost we’ve gotta focus on Wednesday and get one over a team that got the better of us last time.”
“Knockout games are exciting,” said Jennings. “There is a little more on the line. You know that every moment matters. If you lose this game, you know it’s not just ‘go out and get the next one.’ If you lose, you’re out. There’s definitely some pressure there, but I think you can ask anyone in any league, and they’ll say they like the pressure. That’s why we’re here.”
Rowdies on fitness:
“Leo is almost back, Nick Moon has been back a few week is building his fitness up,” Neilson said
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ONLY TEAM MAKING HISTORY IS DETROIT CITY
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Oakland Roots should have done better against MLS side San Jose Quakes. Both of them were even on possession, shots, SOG, passes, pass completion %, etc. But an unforgivable lapse in energy and attention just 18 minutes away from full time led to a routine strike by a Quakes player who was surrounded by SEVEN Roots players!