We need to talk about our neighbors to the west. I’ve been thinking about the Tampa Bay Rowdies a lot since the resumption of the I-4 Derby last week. With the Rowdies moving into the USL and notching their first win against Orlando City (albeit, OCB), it looks like the match-up will be adding some new chapters and intensity in the coming years. With Tampa looking to make the jump to MLS with the club’s official bid for expansion, the I-4 Derby could soon become part of the league's supporter culture as well.
Those of us in Orlando all have our opinions about the Tampa Bay Rowdies being added to the MLS ranks.