Damian Prone

Orlando City SC held on to win 1-0 over FC Naples in the US Open Cup Round of 32 after a controversial no-goal call in the second half kept them in the lead and FC Naples off the board at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Wednesday night.

“It was a tough game,” said interim head coach Martín Perelman. “We knew they were going to fight, they were going to try to do their best. Congratulations to them because they did an amazing game, and as well, congratulations to our players because I think they did a huge effort.”

“This cup is not easy and we competed. We got what we came looking for. Our young players were able to get minutes to help us and I’m happy for the victory.”

The controversial moment came in the 70th minute. Following a corner kick from FC Naples’ Kevin O’Connor, substitute Dominick Bachstein pushed the ball toward goal. Orlando defender Nolan Miller attempted to clear it off the line, but FC Naples players and coach Matt Poland argued the ball had fully crossed.

“I feel bad for our guys,” Polland said. “They fought to earn the goal. And for that goal not to be counted is obviously really disappointing because I thought we were playing well enough, and we scored the goal. It clearly crossed the line, but it isn’t called.”

Without VAR available at this stage of the tournament, the no-goal call stood.

Despite the loss, FC Naples delivered an impressive performance in its first time facing an MLS team. In a hard-fought match that showcased defensive discipline and missed opportunities, the club played in front of a sold-out crowd of 4,782 fans. It is the largest attendance since the home opener.

“I’m proud of the guys, the fight, the amount they created, the way they played,” Polland said. “The community came out, supported, and was energetic the whole time.”

FC Naples lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, while Orlando City shifted between a 5-2-3 and 3-4-3 setup during the first half. The match quickly developed into a competitive battle, with both teams creating early chances.

In the 14th minute, left back Julian Cisners delivered a well-placed pass to forward Andres Ferrin, whose shot was denied by Orlando goalkeeper Javier Otero. Just four minutes later, Orlando City capitalized.

Midfielder Braian Ojeda assisted forward Tyrese Spicer, who fired a powerful shot from outside the box past FC Naples goalkeeper Edward Delgado in the 18th minute, scoring what would ultimately be the game’s only goal.

“It’s a new thing playing on the right side. I think Coach Martín told me just to be yourself on the right,” Spicer said. “I think when I saw the play started from us having the second balls, I came inside on my left foot. I was like, ‘okay, let me get a chance to set myself,’ when Ojeda played it to me and I saw the back of the net and I was like, ‘let me have a go at the goal’ and it went in.”

Otero proved to be the difference maker for Orlando City, finishing the night with seven saves to secure the clean sheet. He made key stops throughout the match, including a strong save against forward Christohper Garcia in the 26th minute and another crucial denial of O’Connor in the 62nd minute.

“I’m happy for the performance of the team, and Javi is growing amazingly within the club, and Cesar Baena is doing an amazing job with him and Max and Tristan and all the goalkeepers,” Perelman said. “I think they are performing really well and we’re happy for them and for the club.”

FC Naples had multiple opportunities to equalize, but struggled to convert. Ferrin missed a key chance in the 38th minute as the first half ended with high pressure and quick ball movement of both teams.

Orlando came out aggressive after halftime, nearly doubling its lead in the 48th minute with Spicer’s shot, but Delgado made a strong save to keep FC Naples within reach. Five minutes later, he delivered another stop after a turnover led to a shot from forward Yutaro Tsukada.

In the 63th minute, substitute midfielder Martin Ojeda nearly added a second goal for Orlando, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.

As the match progressed, FC Naples increased its attacking pressure. In the 69th minute, Ferrin set up Garcia, whose header struck the crossbar.

After the no-goal call, FC Naples continued to push forward in the final minutes. O’Connor, Garcia, and Ferrin remained active, generating several chances, while Otero continued his standout performance. In the 86th minute, Taylor Gray nearly found the equalizer with a header off a corner, but Otero came up with another save.

“Just immensely proud of the boys,” O’Connor said. “They scored a great goal, and we reacted so well. After 98 minutes, I think we couldn’t have asked for more, and the crowd pushed us on.”

FC Naples held 53% of ball possession and outshot Orlando City 20-17, underscoring how evenly matched the contest was. Despite the final result, Polland said the performance should give his team confidence moving forward.

“We created more opportunities than them,” Poland said. “A lot of confidence for the league club. They competed for 90 minutes against an MLS team, and should have been tied 1-1 after that 90th minute. So as a team, hopefully we take this with confidence to move forward and lead play.”

With the victory, Orlando City SC advances to the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup. The Lions will play against New England Revolution, who defeated Rhode Island in a penalty shootout.