USL LEAGUE ONE: U.S. OPEN CUP - FC Naples Dominates Red Force FC to Secure Second Round Berth
- Staff Writer
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
NAPLES, Fla. — FC Naples delivered their most complete performance of the 2026 campaign on Wednesday night, dismantling amateur side Red Force FC 3-0 at Paradise Coast Stadium. The victory officially sends the USL League One side into the Second Round of the 111th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
In a match defined by tactical discipline and offensive variety, FC Naples stifled the visitors from the opening whistle, allowing only a single shot while maintaining nearly 63% of the possession. The win marks the club's second shutout in three matches to start the year, signaling a defensive unit that is quickly finding its identity.
"Winning with a shutout is great, especially doing that at home in front of our fans," said Head Coach Matt "Gaffa" Poland. "The dynamic attack we created—the quality chances from numerous players in different ways—was fun to see."
O'Connor Pulls the Strings
The engine of the Naples attack was undoubtedly Kevin O’Connor, who finished the evening with two assists and five chances created. In the 23rd minute, O'Connor provided a perfectly weighted delivery to Marc Torrellas, who opened the scoring to make it 1-0.
The lead was doubled just seven minutes later when Hudson Gay clinicaly finished a chance set up by Ian Cerro. Despite a dominant second half that saw Naples rack up 16 shots, the final blow didn't come until stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Taylor Gray sealed the 3-0 result, once again assisted by the relentless O'Connor.
Statistical Dominance and Squad Depth
The gulf between the professional and amateur sides was evident in the final stat sheet. FC Naples recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.96, while Red Force FC was held to a staggering 0.01. Defender Luca Mastrantonio anchored the possession-heavy game plan, leading all players with 111 touches and 96 completed passes.
Coach Poland also used the comfortable lead to rotate his squad, providing several players with their first professional minutes.
"It was great to get some guys their first professional minutes, both at the club and ever in their career," Poland added. "Anytime you get shutouts, that means you're doing things right as a group—not just our center backs, but our goalkeeper, our whole team."
Looking Ahead: Richmond and Madison
FC Naples now shifts its focus back to USL League One play with a road trip to face the Richmond Kickers on March 21. Fans in Southwest Florida are invited to a free watch party at Hopsized Brewing Company in Bonita Springs to cheer on the team.
The club returns home to Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Saturday, March 28, to host Forward Madison FC. Following that league fixture, Naples will prepare for the U.S. Open Cup Second Round, scheduled for March 31–April 1, with their opponent to be announced following the conclusion of the First Round.
Match Statistics:
Stat | FC Naples | Red Force FC |
Possession | 62.8% | 37.2% |
Shots (on Goal) | 16 (9) | 1 (0) |
Expected Goals (xG) | 1.96 | 0.01 |
Passes Completed | 512 | 248 |
Scoring Summary:
NAP: Marc Torrellas (O’Connor) — 23'
NAP: Hudson Gay (Cerro) — 30'
NAP: Taylor Gray (O’Connor) — 92'
Upcoming Schedule:
March 21: @ Richmond Kickers (Watch Party at Hopsized Brewing)
March 28: vs. Forward Madison FC (Home)
March 31/April 1: U.S. Open Cup Second Round (TBD)
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