The Tampa Bay Rowdies will begin playing exhibition matches against Orlando City SC beginning in March 2013, according to team's official website.

Additionally, the two teams will also both be participating in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic tournament from Feb. 9 to Feb. 23, 2013. Participants will include six Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises, the NASL (2nd Division) Champion Rowdies and USL Pro (3rd Division) Regular-Season Champion Orlando City.

"We're starting the 2013 preseason one month earlier than 2012 to participate in this event and play top competition in order to maintain a championship caliber team. We're proud to represent NASL in this tournament, and the event against Orlando City will be another great experience for our fans," Rowdies President and GM Andrew Nestor said.

Orlando City is currently in discussion for an upgrade to being an MLS franchise. That would help do wonders for the budding Rowdies who may eventually look to do the same down the road.

One thing is for sure, the sooner the NASL Champion Rowdies get back in action the better.

Be sure to check back to http://rowdiessoccer.com/ for game-time information and updates as the offseason progresses.