The opening three matches of the 2021 season will hold extra weight for Orlando City after U.S. Soccer decided to adjust the qualification process for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The federation canceled the opening round for the tournament, which was previously scheduled to begin on May 4, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Open Cup committee said this is to prevent teams from needing to add more cross-country travel to their spring schedules.
Instead, the tournament will begin with the Round of 16, which will feature eight MLS teams, four USL Championship teams, one National Independent Soccer Association team, one USL League One team and two Open Division teams.