Pre/In/Post Game: I-4 Derby: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Orlando City 03/30/2013

Ring ceremony before the game

 

So what happened in the game?

 

third loss in a row versus Orlando

 

Kenn I will say this- Orlando is really really good.
But I started questioning something do you think the match between Rowdies and Lions was more serious than the match between Minnesota and Chicago
Orlando should be in MLS for the 2014 season

 

Oh Yeah! Minnesota and Chicago Fire had a game and Minnesota won

 

Any word on the attendance last night or any game photos?

Apparently there was some crowd trouble as well from the visiting fans. How classy.

 

Disappointed in the result, that's for sure. Orlando has got us 3-0. Here's to leveling the score next spring.

The game itself was good, and the rowdies looked better than the previous meetings with OC$C.

There was so much aggro and tension as soon as we met up with their fans. They did bring a bottle inside and threw it right at my brother, myself and a few other people. By then I wanted to bust some heads, but cooler heads prevailed. I like this rivalry, but I won't support it getting violent.

That being said ALF needs more security detail at these future games with our rivals. I would also love to see their supporters groups in the future sit at the opposite side of the stadium. If not (like last night) there should definitely be more than 4 cops and a couple of security guards.

I wish the game was worth talking about than the fan hate from both sides. I enjoy playing Orlando, and we had a good group in the mob for the game. They had a good group as well. I have to hand it to the ILF and the ruckus for showing up. Hope to see more in the future from both sides.

Also, in my estimation there was (what looked like, and plus I was drinking) about a little less than 1500 people there. I could be wrong.

 

Can't wait to see what the ring looks like. I will be buying a replica.

 

I would like to add that the field looks a lot better than previous years. It looks slightly larger than the configuration last year. I wish we could own the stadium outright so we can have a proper field. Beggars can't be choosers though. Way better than GSF.

 

Why doesn't the club have a small bleacher behind the east goal for visiting fans? They would be all by themselves and would prevent the skirmishes we have seen the past year with visitors spoiling for a fight.

 

Rivalry YES, violence ABSOLUTELY NO !

 

If attendance improves significantly this season, hopefully the club can look into getting seating put in the outfield. Until we start drawing 4 or 5k a match, what's the point?

A bigger field would be nice, hopefully the new configuration is bigger.

 

Maybe Rowdies can get a U.S Open Cup revenge

 

No kidding.

You're the one who said TB had no excuses this time because they had been training. As if teams that train never lose.

How do I know, and what does it matter?

Based on what? This?

The last few teams to move up have been given nearly two years to make the move. Highly unlikely they'd be put in for 2014 at this point, and that chance decreases every day.

 

We played. We lost. Again.

The Rowdies, I thought, really had a good shot at this one. We were out played in the first half, but completely dominated the second in possession and danger. We just couldn't finish and it cost us the match and the cup. Credit Orlando for sticking in the dagger in stoppage time when they got the chance.

A tie would have done us no good and we were throwing everything forward for a winner that would have set up penalties.

These were two impressively entertaining games with goals galore and drama everywhere.

Might have something cooking if we ever played Orlando regularly, but that just doesn't look to be in the cards unless we somehow luck box an MLS spot sometime in the future.

 

We had a great time saturday night. There was lot's of action,the weather was beautiful,and,the atmosphere was great. I thought the turnout was decent,as well. So glad soccer is back!

 

I have to ask; why did they decide to do this for a preseason game?
Why not the regular season opener with a crowd that I would assume to be larger and more Rowdie friendly?
Any word on attendance for the game? Someone said on twitter Orlando had 400+, which is hard to believe. But, heck I wasnt there and havent seen any photos.

 

There might have been half that many Orlando fans total, with most being actual supporters.

https://twitter.com/RalphsMob/status/318914277127909376/photo/1

They claim 400, but that isn't even close to being accurate.

Edit: in fact, looking at that pic again makes me question if they even brought 200 fans. Probably between 150 and 200 somewhere. They did fill two buses. And they brought more than the Rowdies and Mob sent that way.

 

"People in this school exaggerate so much."

 

Eh, being in the Citrus Bowl then going to Al Lang probably threw their claim off.
Im sure they over estimate the size of other things in their life too.

 

Yeah, it is definitely us, who would want to come out to watch Orlando beat your team again for the third time in a couple months while our supporters are louder than the home crowd? I would probably blame traffic and not bother showing up to the Citrus Bowl if the shoe was on the other foot.

 

A motorcyclist was beheaded in the accident that caused epic backups all over Tampa Bay. Have fun with it if you like, but it kept alot of people from even trying to get to Al Lang. Some people who did reach downtown St. Pete were reporting 45 minute commutes taking upwards of 3+ hours.

The Tampa Bay fan base also saw this as preseason and apparently consider Orlando to be as important as a game vs UCF. Sorry to report that so few on this side cared much about these games. Is that disappointing for you guys? Acting as if you beat the great satan! It's kind of funny, a little desperate, but funny.

Grats on the win, though. Enjoy the preseason cup!