2017 Will Give Orlando City Its First In-State League Rival

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http://www.themaneland.com/2016/11/27/13754962/2017-will-give-orlando-city-its-first-in-state-league-rival

2017 Will Give Orlando City Its First In-State League Rival

With the addition of the Tampa Bay Rowdies to the USL next season, Orlando City will have its first league rival for any of its teams as OCB reopens the I-4 Derby.

by Sean Rollins Nov 27, 2016, 10:00am EST

Rivalries are a key part of the sport of soccer. All around the world, the biggest games every year are the biggest rivalries in those countries. This is no more prevalent than in the United States where Major League Soccer has made its mission to promote the league's rivalries. However, because Orlando City has always been separated from other teams throughout the league, finding a true rival has been very difficult. But next season, one of the club's teams will have a league rival.

Last month, it was announced that the Tampa Bay Rowdies would make the move, along with the Ottawa Fury, from the North American Soccer League (NASL) to the United Soccer League (USL), where the club's reserve team, Orlando City B, plays. The move will give OCB a natural rival and will give the club its first local league rival.

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When the young Lions and the Rowdies face off for the first time during the 2017 USL season, it will be the first time the two clubs have played a league game against each other. More than that, it will be the first time that Orlando City as a club has had a true league rival for any of its teams. While David Beckham's prospective Miami MLS team would give the senior team its first in-state league rival, the Rowdies are set to become the club's first next season.