The Orlando City U23s, formally known as the Central Florida Kraze, have a deep history in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dating back to 2000.

The first USOC match in franchise history was against Uruguay SC at home. The Kraze suffered a tough 3-2 defeat.  Little did they know they would not return to the tournament again for seven years.

The Kraze returned to the Open Cup in 2007 when they played away against the Charleston Battery. The Battery, now an Orlando City rival, were then one of the top teams in the American Second Division, USL-1.  They were defeated 3-0.  The Battery would advance to the quarterfinals that season, defeating MLS side Houston Dynamo along the way.

CFK next played in the Cup in 2010 against USL-1 side and Sunshine State foe Miami FC.  The Kraze battled Miami to a 1-1 draw.  In added extra time, Paulo Jr, now staring for Real Salt Lake in MLS, exploded for four goals in nine minutes to send the Kraze back to Orlando with a 5-1 loss.

The Kraze made their first back-to-back trip to the Cup in the 2011.  Again, they went on the road, this time to Wilmington.  The Hammerheads topped CFK 4-0 to keep the club winless in their Open Cup history.

The Orlando City U-23s are hoping to change that around with a new look and a few new faces.  Tonight’s match against Jacksonville United is the club’s first home Cup game since their first Cup game in 2000.  Expect history to be made at the Seminole Soccer Complex.

Tickets are $5 for children 16 and under, with adult tickets costing $10.  Only cash is accepted.  Payment will be taken at the entrance to the complex, beginning at 6 pm.  Kickoff is set for 7 pm.