Tropics schedule to feature two teams who will play in U.S. Open Cup

Two opponents on the Lakeland Tropics 2017 schedule have been invited to play in the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup this summer.

The Villages SC and South Florida Surf, who will both make appearances on Lakeland's 14-game slate this summer, are two of a record 21 USL Premier Development League teams invited to take part in in the historic annual event.

"The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup provides a unique opportunity for amateur players in the PDL to be exposed to professional clubs and competition across North America while taking part in one of the world's longest-running soccer tournaments," PDL Director Todd Eason said. "We are thrilled to have a record-high 21 of our teams taking part in 2017 and look forward to supporting each and every one of our clubs as they attempt to make a deep run in the tournament."

This will be the second appearance for The Villages SC, and first for the Surf, which was an expansion team in 2016. Both are part of the nine team Southeast Division of the PDL, which is where the Tropics will reside as well.

The Villages SC will visit historic Bryant Stadium on Saturday, May 20 at 7:35 p.m., which also happens to be the Tropics home-opener. The Surf will host the Tropics on June 21.

Tickets for all seven of the Tropics home game are available online at www.lakelandtropics.com