ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Tampa Bay Rowdies opening matchup in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup has been set. Tampa Bay enters in the Second Round of the storied competition and will face USL League Two side Nona FC at Al Lang Stadium on Tuesday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Nona FC earned a spot in the Second Round by knocking off Club de Lyon FC in a 1-0 result on Wednesday night. An opening goal from Williams Eyang in the first minute of play was enough to carry Nona FC to victory despite playing down a man for most of the second half due to a red card ejection.
In total, 14 winners from the First Round will move on to the Second Round, where 25 USL Championship clubs and teams from the third tier of U.S. Soccer await.
This year’s U.S. Open Cup is the 108th edition of the single-elimination tournament, which is open to all professional and qualifying amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. This year’s Open Cup winner will receive a berth in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions League and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy. The Rowdies fell to the eventual Open Cup winner, Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC in the Third Round of last year’s tournament. MLS teams will enter the Open Cup in the Third Round again this year.
Rowdies season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to the April 4 Open Cup match for each ticket associated with the account. Season ticket holders can view their open cup tickets now in the online ticket portal. Fans can also purchase tickets for the match by clicking here or by calling 727-222-2000 during normal business hours.
