USL1: FC Naples Pushes MLS Giant Orlando City to the Brink in Open Cup Thriller

Staff Writer
2 days ago
2 min read

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NAPLES, Fla. — In a night that will be etched into Southwest Florida soccer lore, FC Naples nearly pulled off the shock of the tournament. Facing the 2022 U.S. Open Cup champions, Orlando City SC, the USL League One side delivered a defiant, high-pressing performance before falling 1-0 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.

A record-breaking crowd of 4,782 fans packed Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Wednesday night, witnessing an expansion-era club in just its second professional season dominate long stretches of play against an elite MLS opponent.

Disallowed Goal Sparks Controversy

The match’s lone goal arrived in the 18th minute when Orlando’s Tyrese Spicer converted a clinical pass from Braian Ojeda. However, the story of the night centered on a disputed second-half equalizer that was not awarded by the officiating crew.

FC Naples appeared to have leveled the match when a shot crossed the goal line, but without the aid of VAR in the early rounds of the Open Cup, the "no-goal" call stood.

"I was standing on the line and we could see it was over," said defender Kevin O'Connor. "The linesman wasn't in position to see it or call it, which is disappointing. On another day that gets called and it's 1-1."

Despite the frustration, the "Gaffa" Matt Poland expressed immense pride in the squad's 20-shot barrage. "I'm heartbroken for the result, but I'm so proud of the way they fought," Poland said. "The way this community came out and supported was incredible."

Statistically Dominant Underdogs

While Orlando City escaped with the win, the statistics told the story of FC Naples’ relentless pressure. The home side dictated possession and forced the MLS visitors into a defensive shell for most of the second half.

Stat	FC Naples	Orlando City SC
Shots (Total)	20	7
Shots on Goal	8	3
Corner Kicks	8	2
Score	0	1

Defender Max Glasser echoed the team's confidence following the final whistle: "Going up against a good MLS opponent, at the end of the day, I think we back ourselves against anyone. We're going to fight, we're going to run, we're going to work hard."

Looking Ahead: League Play and Cinco de Mayo

FC Naples currently sits atop the USL League One table and will look to carry this momentum back into regular-season play as they head to the Northeast this weekend.

Next Match: FC Naples at Portland Hearts of Pine
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 3:00 PM EST
Watch: Live on ESPN+

Return to Paradise Coast: The club returns home on Saturday, May 2, for a heavyweight clash against the defending champions, One Knoxville SC. The match will double as a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring a live Mariachi band, Mexican-themed food trucks, and drink specials. Tickets are available now at www.fcnaples.com/tickets.