May 21, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Tampa Bay Rowdies News Release
The Tampa Bay Rowdies make their return to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 for the first time since 2013 this Wednesday at Al Lang Stadium. Standing in their way of a first-ever trip to the Quarterfinals round of the tournament is Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas.
Wednesday will be just the fourth time the Rowdies have hosted an MLS team in the Open Cup. The Rowdies fell to eventual 2023 Open Cup champions Houston Dynamo FC 1-0 at Al Lang Stadium last year. In 2012, they were eliminated at home by Colorado Rapids 3-1. The next year, though, the Rowdies pulled off a memorable 1-0 victory over four-time Open Cup champions, the Seattle Sounders.
“Every player wants to play in the highest games possible, and I think getting a game against MLS opposition is big for us,” said Rowdies midfielder Blake Bodily. “You’ll see the quality that we have against an MLS team and how we’ll do. It’ll be a big game for us, but I think we’re up for it.”
Missing Manu
The Rowdies will be without the player who clinched their spot in the Round of 16 this Wednesday. Manuel Arteaga, who scored twice in extra time to lift the Rowdies over Birmingham in the Round of 32, is out due to red card suspension from the Birmingham match. Arteaga leads the Rowdies in goals in league play with 8 goals through 10 matches so far.
“Manu’s been such a pivotal player for us this season,” said Rowdies Head Coach Robbie Neilson. “Missing him will be difficult for us. However, it’s an opportunity for guys to come in. We have a really good squad here. Those guys will have a great opportunity to come in against an MLS team in our stadium. They’ll be up for it.”
Club Connections
Wednesday’s Open Cup clash will be the first competitive meeting between the Rowdies and Dallas. The Rowdies have a few connections to the MLS side from the Lone Star state, though. Rowdies captain Aaron Guillen and midfielder Eddie Munjoma both began their professional careers as MLS Homegrown signings for Dallas. Additionally, forward Cal Jennings was drafted by Dallas in the 2020 MLS Superdraft, although he ultimately did not end up signing a contract with the club.
Scouting Dallas
Dallas is led by Spanish manager Nico Estévez, who is now in his second season in charge after previously serving as an assistant coach with the U.S. national team and Columbus Crew. Dallas advanced to the Round of 16 after knocking off Memphis 901 FC…