Orlando City played its first U.S. Open Cup match since a deep run in the tournament in 2019 on Wednesday night, welcoming I-4 Derby rival Tampa Bay to Exploria Stadium. The Lions turned in a solid performance against the Rowdies, finishing with a 2-1 victory in the third round of the competition.
Homegrown defender Thomas Williams got his first start for the senior side and played well overall, going the distance for the Lions. The 17-year-old was partially culpable on Tampa Bay’s goal, but he never looked as if he didn’t belong on the field in a promising performance.