USL LEAGUE ONE: One Knoxville knocks off league-leader FC Naples
- Dan Stickradt
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
NAPLES, Fla. – Less than three days after battling for 120 minutes and 10 rounds of penalty kicks in the third round of the US Open Cup, FC Naples faced the only other undefeated team in the USL Championship, One Knoxville SC.
It was One Knoxville that found a way to hand USL League One-leading FC Naples a 1-0 defeat at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
“We came out flat. You know, we obviously rotated the squad just with the number of games we've been playing and came out flat. And against a team like that, when you go down a goal, it's very difficult to score against them. They're very defensively organized,” said FC Naples coach Matt Poland.
FC Naples remained atop of the USL League One standings with 14 points and a 4-1-2 overall record. Naples owns a 9-3 scoring edge this season. One Knoxville moved into a third-place tie with 10 points and an undefeated 3-0-1 record. Knoxville has outscored its opposition 6-2 through four games of league play.
In the first minute of the game, Marc Torrellas took a shot on goal that was blocked by Sean Lewis of Knoxville. Naples continued to fight on, but failed to gain traction against the opposition, eventually yielding a goal to One Knoxville SC in the 45th minute of play.
Forward Kempes Tekiela scored the game’s lone goal just seconds into extra time at the end of the first half. One Knoxville’s defense made it stand.
Although FC Naples controlled the ball 55 percent of the game, the scoreboard remained unmoved by their advances as they suffered the taste of defeat for the first time this season.
Although it is challenging to stay motivated after a loss, the best teams in the league are the most resilient. FC Naples has had a strong start in a season where every game matters. Coach Poland said that they will go back to watch the video to see what can be corrected and what should be adapted for the next game.
“We need to use this as motivation to be better next,” said Poland.
FC Naples players shared the same sentiment. They recognize that the foundation of the team’s strength and resilience is in their communication and in the deep bond they have built in a short period of time. Even though the way they have been training may have generated powerful results, they know they will have to continue refining their plays to reestablish their dominance on the pitch.
“It's unfortunate for our fans not to get the win tonight because they always come out and support us tremendously, and they did again tonight. But our next game is a home game, so hopefully we can bring them a win,” said Luka Prpa.
FC Naples vs. Charleston Battery – USL Jägermeister Cup, April 26, 7:00 p.m. EST
FC Naples makes its debut in the USL Jägermeister Cup with a thrilling matchup against USL Championship Charleston Battery. This marks the first game of the new midseason tournament and a unique opportunity for the club to shine on a national stage.
FC Naples calls on all fans to be part of these historic home matches. Tickets are available online at www.fcnaples.com/tickets, and supporters are encouraged to arrive early to experience the full matchday atmosphere and secure the bestseats.
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