US Open Cup: Miami, Tampa Bay ready for high-profile NASL vs USL showdown

The third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is about to get underway. A rivalry match between Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies highlights the action.

The US Open Cup continues this week with Round 2 winners trying to advance once again, this time to face an MLS side. Of the 13 matches for this round, there are four Division 2 showdowns between the NASL and USL, most notably with Miami FC hosting the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The Rowdies were NASL mainstays until this last off-season when the club made the switch to play in the USL. Miami FC is slowly becoming the most recognizable NASL side, playing in only their second season.

The off-season exodus of the Rowdies, along with the Ottawa Fury, from NASL to USL is part of what makes this match so intriguing, coupled with the high-level play of both teams. Each club has a roster full of recognizable names, something relatively uncommon for lower division sides. The two Florida teams met three times last season in NASL play, with all three contests ending in draws. That won’t be an option this time around, as the two clubs battle for bragging rights and a chance to visit Orlando City SC.

The 2016 NASL Season

Miami and the Rowdies were just separated by one point in the NASL last year, with Miami finishing with 40 and Tampa Bay 39. Their first ever meeting was a 1-1 draw in front of over 10,000 fans at FIU Stadium, now known as Riccardo Silva Stadium, named after Miami FC’s owner. Their first fall meeting would also end 1-1, this time in front of 6,900 at Al Lang Stadium in Tampa. The return to FIU saw the Rowdies come back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a point on the road.

Miami is the highest finishing NASL team from the 2016 season left in cup play. The problem is they finished seventh overall in the combined standings. The league champion New York Cosmos and league runners-up Indy Eleven both lost to amateur sides in the second round of the Open Cup. Third place finishers FC Edmonton fell in both legs of the Canadian Championship to former NASLers Ottawa Fury. Rayo OKC and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers have both closed up shop, while Minnesota United moved to MLS.

Things have gone well for both Miami and Tampa since they parted ways from league play. Miami FC currently sit in first place through nine games of the NASL season, winning four of their last five and leading the league in goals scored. Tampa Bay sit in second place in the Eastern Conference through 12 games, sitting two points behind the Charleston Battery.

Both teams played on Saturday and put out strong sides for their league matches. It remains to be seen if they throw their best XI at each other for this midweek cup match. Here are some things we’ll be looking out for.

Tampa Bay Rowdies

Current Record: 6-3-3

Last Time Out: 1-1 draw against Saint Louis FC

How They Got Here: 3-0 win against the Jacksonville Armada U-23’s of the NPSL

Player To Watch: Joe Cole. The Rowdies have a handful of former European standouts, but its hard to look past the former Chelsea midfielder. Cole pulls the strings for the Tampa Bay attack and has completed nearly 82% of his passes this season, along with scoring three goals and registering three assists. He will need to help the Rowdies maintain possession against a fast and explosive Miami FC.

Why They Win: The Rowdies have one of the most complete rosters top to bottom outside of MLS. Former Sheffield United center-back Neill Collins leads a back-line who have only allowed nine goals this season. He is typically paired with young Jamaican Damion Lowe, and flanked by former Orlando City left-back Luke Boden and longtime NASL veteran Darnell King. They sit in front of former Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens. The formidable defense benefit even further with the help of international midfielders Marcel Schäfer and Martin Vingaard.

They’ll have their hands full against Miami, but the Rowdies are more than capable of forcing their former league mates into a low-scoring, grind-out match. If Tampa can keep the Miami attack at bay, they’ll have a good chance to move on. If it turns into a shootout, the tired Rowdies may not have the legs to keep up.

Why They Wont: While the Rowdies boast several players with international experience and recognition, at times they’ve struggled to find consistency. After winning their first three matches of the season, they have gone 3-3-3 in the nine games since, unable to string together more than two consecutive wins in league play. Miami FC will also be the Rowdies sixth opponent in an 18 day span. The effects of a crammed schedule are only amplified by the fact that Tampa has a smaller roster of only 22 players. Fatigue will be a major factor, and head coach Stuart Campbell could choose to start several reserve players.

Predicted Starting XI:

Miami FC

Current Record: 5-3-1

Last Time Out: 1-1 draw against Puerto Rico FC

How They Got Here: 3-2 win against South Florida Surf of the PDL

Player To Watch: Richie Ryan. The Irish midfielder is the club’s leader and he dominates the midfield, completing 88.5% of his passes through his eight features this season. Miami struggled without him in the first half against the South Florida Surf, as well as in their draw this week against Puerto Rico FC. Ryan’s absence Saturday hints that he should be well rested for the Open Cup showdown. Ryan slots in behind the fast and dangerous attacking trio of Kwadwo Poku, Stéfano Pinho, and Vincenzo Rennella, linking play through the middle. Look for the NASL veteran to play a key role in unlocking the Tampa Bay defense.

Why They Win: Miami have been a force in NASL in just their second season. After a slow start in their debut 2016 Spring Season, which saw them finish in last place, Miami quickly retooled in the summer before leaping into fifth place for the Fall Season. They have experienced a similar jump this year, only losing to the New York Cosmos 2-0 in a match where they out-shot the reigning NASL champs 24-5. The match was just a week removed from Miami dominating them 3-0 in the Cosmos’ home opener. It was also the only match Miami have not scored in this season.

Miami FC are built with a wealth of NASL veterans who also tout first division experience in MLS, internationally, or many with both.  Hosting the match should also give Miami a nice advantage in what is likely to be a well-attended match. Their attacking speed and quality midfield play could give them an advantage against the Rowdies, especially if Tampa decides to give some of their regulars a rest.

Why The Wont: While Miami has only allowed eight goals in NASL play this season, they have yet to face an attack like they could see against the Rowdies. Miami has a very deep roster, but routinely rotate through an experienced cast of defenders, limiting the chance to built cohesion. Center-backs Mason Trafford and Rhett Bernstein will definitely have their hands full against Joe Cole and the Rowdies attack that also features Bulgarian forward, Georgi Hristov, who is on pace to become Tampa Bay’s all-time leading goal scorer. Along with Hristov, Miami could be forced to deal with proven goalscorer Deshorn Brown, who found success in MLS, Norway, and China before coming to USL.

Predicted Start XI:

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Prediction and How To Watch

This one seems destined to be a hard-fought match. While Tampa Bay may be the better side on paper, the heavy legs and the road venue are a big advantage to Miami FC. We’re taking the home side in this one.

Miami FC, 2 – Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1

When: May 31, 2017. 7:30 EST

Where: Riccardo Silva Stadium. Miami, FL

Watch: USSoccer.com