News

TAMPA, Fla. (May 16, 2012) – The Tampa Bay Rowdies will host Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, pending the result of their second round match at Jacksonville United this Tuesday, the United States Soccer Federation announced today. If the Rowdies defeat Jacksonville United this Tuesday, May 22, they will host the Rapids on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. Colorado, one of the 10 founding clubs of Major League Soccer, won the MLS Cup for the first time in 2010.

Tickets for the match will go on sale this Friday morning, May 18 and start as low as just $10. Fans can purchase tickets by emailing tickets@rowdiessoccer.com, online at www.RowdiesSoccer.com or by calling the front office at 813-287-1539.

If the Rowdies host the third round match on May 29, all season ticket holders will receive their bonus ticket for that game against MLS's Colorado Rapids.

The Rowdies will face Jacksonville United of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the second round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup this Tuesday, May 22 at Patton Park in Jacksonville at 7:00 p.m. Jacksonville United advanced to the second round with a 2-1 victory over the Orlando City U-23s on Tuesday night.

The 99th edition of the U.S. Open Cup includes a 64-team field, which represents the largest in the modern era (1995 to present), eclipsing the previous record of 42 teams set in 2005 and 2006. All Division I, II and III professional clubs are participating in the tournament proper for the first time ever.

All 2012 U.S. Open Cup matches until the final are scheduled for Tuesdays, with the championship taking place on either Tuesday, Aug. 7, or Wednesday, Aug. 8. The opening portion of the U.S. Open Cup schedule occurs in rapid fashion as the first four rounds take place in back-to-back weeks from May 15 to June 5. The quarterfinals are set for June 26, the semifinals for July 10, and the final for Aug. 7 or 8.

The Rowdies return to NASL action this weekend with a road match at Atlanta this Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay is next at home on Friday, May 25 when it hosts Minnesota on Military Appreciation Night at 7:30 p.m. at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Petersburg. For ticket information, call 813-287-1539 or visit www.RowdiesSoccer.com.