ORLANDO, Fla.— Orlando City SC enters into the third round of the US Open Cup this Tuesday, May 28, in Orlando, Fla., against Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Colorado Rapids at Fifth Third Bank Field at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Tuesday’s game marks the first time Orlando has hosted an MLS team at home in the knockout tournament, with the Lions traveling to opponent’s venues in the third round of the past two seasons. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

“I’ve looked at their (Colorado) last few games and they’ve been very, very good,” said Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath. “The three front players are a problem and it’ll be a difficult game, but we’re looking forward to it.”

The Rapids, who were one of the charter members when the league began in 1996, compete in the Western Conference of MLS. The club currently sits in fifth place with a record of 4-4-4, one spot behind the LA Galaxy as of Thursday.

Colorado is coached by Oscar Pareja, who is in his second year with the Rapids as manager. Forward Deshorn Brown, a graduate of the University of Central Florida and this year’s 6th overall pick (first round) of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, is currently tied with veteran Edson Buddle and fellow rookie Dillon Powers for team lead in goals with two (2). In his only season with the Knights, Brown scored 13 goals in 16 games played and was named to the 2012 NSCAA All-South Region First Team and All-Conference USA First Team.

The Rapids have one regular-season game on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park before they travel to Central Florida for Tuesday’s game.

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and is open to United States Soccer Federation (USSF) affiliated teams. The Open Cup was first held in 1913, with this year marking the centennial edition of the tournament. This year’s field consisted of 68 teams, the largest field in US Open Cup history.

Before the Open Cup match, the Lions continue regular season action this Saturday against the Wilmington Hammerheads (2-5-0, 6 points). The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed live on USLNation.com. For more information on Tuesday’s Open Cup match in Orlando and the upcoming regular season match vs. Wilmington, visit Orlandocitysoccer.com.

Photo: Mark Thor