I-4 Derby
The I-4 Derby is the Central Florida soccer rivalry between Orlando City SC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Its name comes from Interstate 4, the highway connecting the Orlando and Tampa Bay metropolitan areas.
Origins
The senior clubs competed in different leagues during Orlando City's original USL Pro era, so the rivalry began through a two-leg preseason series in 2013. It gave supporters from both cities a rare direct contest for Central Florida soccer bragging rights.
2013 Derby
The first leg took place at the Florida Citrus Bowl on March 9, 2013. Tampa Bay led at halftime, but goals from Jamie Watson, James O'Connor, and Jean Alexandre carried Orlando to a 3–2 comeback victory before 6,877 spectators.
The return leg was played at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg on March 30. Kevin Molino and Adama Mbengue gave Orlando an early lead before Tampa Bay tied the match. Dom Dwyer scored in the 90th minute, securing another 3–2 win and a 6–4 aggregate victory.
More than 400 Orlando City supporters traveled to St. Petersburg and watched the Lions lift the inaugural I-4 Derby trophy.
Orlando City B Era
After Orlando's first team moved to MLS, the rivalry continued through Orlando City B and the Rowdies in the United Soccer League. Their 2017 meetings restored competitive league stakes to the I-4 matchup.
In August 2017, Orlando City B earned a 1–1 draw at Orlando City Stadium through a stoppage-time penalty from Danny Deakin. The clubs met again in Orlando's regular-season finale, a must-win match in OCB's playoff chase.
Inaugural Series
| Leg | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First leg | Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando | Orlando City 3–2 Tampa Bay Rowdies |
| Second leg | Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg | Orlando City 3–2 Tampa Bay Rowdies |
| Aggregate | — | Orlando City won 6–4 |