JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Open Cup play continues on Wednesday for the Jacksonville Armada. They will face Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC. at Southern Oak Stadium at Jacksonville University at 7p.m.
Jacksonville defeated Orlando City, 2-1, on Feb. 13 in a preseason friendly in Jacksonville.
“I think they’ll be coming with a little bit of something to prove after their preseason loss to us,” said Armada forward Jemal Johnson. “I think it was a great performance from us then and I’m expecting the same in this game.”
This match has been billed as one of the most important in club history. Orlando City is the closest intrastate rival for the Armada. Entering Wednesday’s match the Armada have yet to lose to an in-state rival this season.
While the Armada have had a packed schedule over the past two weeks, Orlando City hasn’t played in a game since a 2-2 draw on May 29 against New York City FC.
“They’re going to be a fresh team,” said Armada head coach Tony Meola. “They’re going to be a team that will have legs for sure. We’re going to have to battle that with our minds a little bit because for us this will be four games in 15 days. I think we’re up for it and the guys are excited about it. I think we’re ready to compete.”
The winner will advance to the round of 16 and play again on June 29. The winner of the U.S. Open Cup will receive a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.
So far this season Orlando City is in seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference standings (3W-7D-3L, 16 pts.). Through 10 games of the Spring Season the Armada are in 10th place (1W-4D-5L, 7 pts.) in the NASL standings.