The blood will run hot when Orlando City B takes the pitch Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The revival of the I-4 Derby will pit the Lions against their old rivals for the first time since the 2014 U.S. Open Cup. City was in the USL Pro in those days, the Rowdies in the NASL. OCB head coach Anthony Pulis was a midfielder for the Lions back then and assistant coach Rob Valentino well on his way to cementing his place among Club legends.
Luke Boden played 90 minutes at left back that night. He could very well play another 90 minutes Saturday.
But this time, instead of purple and gold, he’ll be in green and gold.
“It’s gonna be strange,” OCB captain Lewis Neal said, scratching the back of his head. “It’s no secret that Bodz is really good friends of mine – always has been, always will be. But when we go out on that white line it’s about wanting to win and doing well in that game.”
Though Neal himself never actually played the Rowdies – he left for MLS after 2011 and rejoined City in 2015 – he’s fully aware of the intensity awaiting his team Saturday. The veteran has explained throughout the week – as have Pulis and Valentino – what exactly this means to the Club and its supporters.
“It’s a huge rivalry,” defender Zach Carroll said. “It means a lot to the fans and to the Club itself. We’re going to go out there and do everything in our power to win.”
Carroll, a 2016 USL Cup champion with New York Red Bulls II and an All-USL Second Team selection, headlined the long list of OCB’s offseason acquisitions. The lineup looks better than its expansion version did last year, but the team has said multiple times that the Rowdies’ roster may be one of the best in the league.
On paper, at least.
“On paper they’ve got a really, really strong side,” Neal said. “They’re a good side with a lot of experience on their hands. It’s going to be a really tough game for us but one that we’re relishing and really looking forward to.”
For Neal and Boden, the friendship will go on hold for those couple hours between kickoff and the final whistle.
“But we’ll shake hands and have a hug after,” Neal said with a laugh.
