You'd think a match between two teams at the bottom of the table wouldn't matter much. Honestly, that’s where most people get it wrong. When it’s Tampa Bay vs Miami FC, the standings basically go out the window. It’s about pride, humidity, and a rivalry that’s been simmering since the 70s.
Last season was a weird one for both clubs. The Tampa Bay Rowdies and Miami FC found themselves in a bit of a dogfight, not for the trophy, but for relevance in an Eastern Conference that felt like it was moving at light speed. If you followed the 2025 USL Championship, you saw two teams struggling to find their identity. Tampa Bay finished 10th with 34 points, and Miami was right on their heels in 11th with 30. It wasn't exactly the "Golden Era," but the games themselves? Total chaos.
The 2025 Season: Why It Was Kinda Mental
If you missed the matches last year, you missed some of the most stressful soccer in Florida. The Rowdies actually swept the regular-season series, but it wasn't easy. Not even close.
Back in March 2025, they met at Pitbull Stadium. Miami jumped out to a lead in the second minute thanks to Francisco Bonfiglio. He chipped the keeper, Nicolas Campisi, like it was a Sunday league game. Rowdies fans were losing their minds. But then Woobens Pacius—who has been a massive bright spot—leveled it before halftime. Danny Crisostomo eventually found the winner.
The rematch in June at Al Lang Stadium was even more ridiculous. Miami led again. Bonfiglio again. It felt like Groundhog Day. But the Rowdies didn't fold. Aaron Guillen, the captain who basically embodies the club’s spirit, headed home an equalizer in the 75th minute. Then, in the 102nd minute—yes, deep into stoppage time—Manuel Arteaga snatched the winner. It was the kind of game that leaves you exhausted just watching it.
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The Jägermeister Cup Meltdown
We have to talk about the USL Jägermeister Cup in April 2025. This was peak Florida soccer. Tampa Bay went up 3-0. It looked like a blowout. Then, in typical fashion, they let Miami back in. Three unanswered goals. The game went to penalties, and Miami took it 7-6. It was a reminder that no lead is safe when these two play.
Breaking Down the All-Time Stats
When you look at the historical head-to-head, Tampa Bay usually has the upper hand. Out of 22 modern era matches, the Rowdies have 13 wins compared to Miami’s 5. But stats don't tell the full story of the "Florida Derby."
- Total Goals: The Rowdies have outscored Miami 45 to 26 over their recent history.
- The Legend: Sebastián Guenzatti remains the king of this fixture with 8 goals, though he’s moved on.
- The New Threat: Francisco Bonfiglio has become a certified Rowdies-killer, scoring in almost every meeting recently.
The rivalry actually dates back to 1975. Back then, it was the Rowdies vs. the Miami Toros. There was an on-field brawl four minutes into their first-ever meeting. Two red cards. That set the tone for the next 50 years. Whether it was the Fort Lauderdale Strikers or the modern Miami FC, the bad blood just transfers from one iteration to the next.
What to Expect in 2026
We are looking at a clean slate now. The 2026 USL Championship schedule is out, and the dates are circled. Tampa Bay vs Miami FC is set for July 25th down at Pitbull Stadium and October 3rd back at Al Lang.
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Miami is under Gastón Maddoni now, and they’ve been overhaulining the roster. They've got a squad that's about 73% international players, which brings a different kind of flair but sometimes lacks that "local derby" grit. On the other side, Robbie Neilson has been trying to tighten up a Rowdies defense that was, frankly, a bit of a sieve last year.
Why the "Home Field" is a Lie
Al Lang Stadium is beautiful, right on the water in St. Pete. But for some reason, the Rowdies struggled there in 2025. They were actually better on the road for large chunks of the season. Miami’s Pitbull Stadium (FIU) is a different beast—loud, hot, and the turf can be brutal. If you’re betting on these games, don't just look at who’s the home team. Look at the weather forecast. 100% humidity changes how these guys run in the 80th minute.
How to Actually Watch These Games
Don't be that person trying to find a sketchy stream five minutes after kickoff.
- Local Broadcasts: If you’re in the Tampa area, it’s usually on Tampa Bay 44.
- Streaming: ESPN+ is still the go-to for almost all USL Championship matches.
- In-Person: If you can go, go. The "Ralph’s Mob" section in Tampa is loud, and the Miami fans bring a lot of South American-style energy. It’s one of the few games in the USL where the atmosphere feels genuinely hostile in a fun way.
The reality is that Tampa Bay vs Miami FC isn't about top-of-the-table prestige right now. It’s about two clubs trying to reclaim their status as the kings of Florida. With Orlando and Inter Miami hogging the MLS spotlight, these USL sides are playing for the soul of the state's soccer scene.
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If you're looking for tactical perfection, watch the Champions League. If you want a game where players might actually start a scuffle over a throw-in while it's pouring rain in 90-degree heat, this is your match. Keep an eye on the mid-season transfers; both teams usually panic-buy in July, which always adds a layer of "who is that guy?" to the Derby.
Check the injury reports for Lewis Hilton and Aaron Guillen before the July match. If those two aren't on the pitch for Tampa, Miami’s midfield—led by guys like Gabriel Cabral—will likely walk all over them. On the flip side, if Miami's Bill Hamid has one of his "brick wall" nights in goal, it won't matter how many shots the Rowdies take.
Keep your schedule open for October 3rd. That season finale stretch is usually when the "Derby" intensity peaks, especially if they’re both fighting for those last playoff seeds again.
Next Steps for Fans:
Start by tracking the early 2026 form of Francisco Bonfiglio; he is the most likely player to break this fixture open. If you’re planning to attend the Al Lang match in October, buy tickets at least three weeks in advance, as the Florida Derby is often one of the few guaranteed sellouts for the Rowdies. Monitor the USL Championship disciplinary report leading up to the July 25th clash, as yellow card accumulation often sidelines key defenders in this high-intensity rivalry.