FC Naples

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Joshua Yoder of FC Naples voted TheCup.us Player of Round

April 9, 2026 by Josh Hakala

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples will play the club’s first-ever Major League Soccer team in the Third Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. To get there, the USL League One side relied on their defense to shut out FC America CFL Spurs in Round 2.

At the heart of the defense in that 3-0 win was FC Naples center back Joshua Yoder. The Charlottesville, Va. native played all 90 minutes and was part of a backline that allowed just three shots, with none of them stressing the goalkeeper. Yoder also was part of a couple of scoring chances, both with a pass and with a header of his own.

His solid defense earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Third Round.

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The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

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Yoder beat out a pair of USL League One performances for the award. Luis Alvarez of the Charlotte Independence finished second with a goal and an assist in his club’s upset of the Charleston Battery (USL Championship). In third, was Westchester SC goalkeeper Matias Molina who made four saves in 120 minutes and made two saves to give his team a PK shootout on the road against the Vermont Green (UL-2).

Joshua Yoder started and played the full 90 in FC Naples 3-0 shutout win over FC America CFL Spurs. Yoder marshalled a backline that earned the clean sheet while allowing just three shots, with none testing the keeper. He also supplied one key pass that forced a save by FC America and also headed a shot that was saved.

“Everyone was working on defense, dropping behind the ball, the offense included,” said Yoder. “We were pressing well, making it hard for them to get into our half and create opportunities. We forced them to play long and then won those first and second balls.”

One of the biggest gifts of the game, especially for the FC Naples defense, came in the 44th minute when FC America’s Pedro Espindola was shown a straight red card.

“It was definitely a little easier to manage the game once they were down a player,” Yoder explained. “But I just tried to stay focused, do what I needed to do, and control what I could control.”

FC Naples defender Joshua Yoder (22) plays a ball in the air against FC America CFL Spurs in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples is only five games into the league season, but Yoder has been part of a defense that has been stingy. The club is currently in a three-way tie atop the USL-1 table with a 3-1-1 record. All three of those wins are shutout wins over Fort Wayne, Richmond Kickers and Greenville Triumph. In you factor in the pair of 3-0 Open Cup wins over Red Force in Round 1 and FC America CFL Spurs in Round 2, Naples has five shutout wins in their first seven games in all competitions.

Yoder signed with FC Naples after a successful preseason trial. He finished his college career at NCAA Division I side Longwood University in his home state of Virginia where he was an honorable mention All-Big South Conference selection as a senior. The 6’3 defender played nearly every minute for the Lancers in his final season and his hard work paid off as he earned a contract with FC Naples. Despite being brand new to being a professional soccer player, it has been an easy transition with his new club.

“Even when I first got here as a trialist, everyone was very open,” said Yoder, who has played in four of the club’s first five league games. “Even the older guys would come talk to me. There were no egos. Everyone was welcoming and kind. It was just a good environment to be a part of.”

Just a few months ago, Yoder was playing at Longwood University against conference rivals like High Point, Winthrop and Gardner-Webb. Now, his next opponent in the US Open Cup will be at home against Orlando City SC of MLS.

“Everyone around the club is excited to play an MLS team. But we just take it one game at a time and treat it like any other game. It’s our 11 versus their 11. Anything can happen on the day.”

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: FC Naples blanks FC America CFL Spurs to earn first date with MLS

April 1, 2026 by Damian Prone

Julian Cisneros (right) of FC Naples celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against FC America CFL Spurs in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples secured a dominant 3-0 victory over FC America Tuesday night at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, clinching a spot in the Round of 32 for the second straight year in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

FC Naples took control almost immediately, earning a penalty in just the second minute of the match. Forward Andres Ferrin stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the kick in the third minute, giving the home side an early 1-0 lead.

The turning point came just before halftime. In the 44th minute, FC America forward Pedro Espindola received a red card, forcing the visitors to play the rest of the match with 10 players. The dismissal shifted the momentum heavily in favor of FC Naples heading into the second half.

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“We are excited that we won, and the opportunity to get to face an MLS side,” FC Naples head coach Matt Poland said. “Anytime you get to face MLS sides, it’s incredible. It means you have done things right.”

FC Naples will move on to play an MLS team in the next round and has good chances of hosting the game.

FC Naples lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, while FC America used a 4-2-3-1 setup. The early goal set the tone for a competitive first half in which both teams battled for possession. While FC Naples pushed forward looking to extend the lead, FC America tried to respond with quick counterattacks.

The numerical advantage allowed FC Naples to control the tempo after halftime, dominating possession and creating several scoring chances from the beginning to the end.

Their pressure paid off in the 60th minute. Left back Julian Cisneros combined with right back Max Glasser in a quick attacking sequence that broke through the FC America defense. Glasser delivered the assist, and Cisneros finished the play to double FC Naples’ lead to 2-0.

FC Naples continued to push forward throughout the half, testing FC America goalkeeper Joao Kastrup multiple times. In the 69th minute, Kastrup made a strong save to deny forward Taylor Gray. The goalkeeper followed that effort with two more key stops in the 74th and 78th minutes, preventing the scoreline from growing even larger.

Despite those saves, FC Naples’ showed its dominance. The team held 69% of ball possession and outshot FC America 31-3, including 14 shots on target.

Defensively, FC Naples remained solid throughout the match. Goalkeeper and team captain Edward Delgado recorded his second clean sheet of the tournament.

“I am very happy for the individual achievement,” Delgado said. “I have been very fortunate to be on a team that is just very defensive heavy and a mindset of being winners and having clean sheets.”

FC Naples added the final touch in stoppage time when forward Dominick Bachstein closed up the victory in the 92nd minute.

“It’s a great opportunity for our players to get to showcase themselves against the top division in the US,” Poland said.

The draw is scheduled for Thursday morning at 9 a.m., when the team will know its next opponent.

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: FC Naples back in Round 2 with 3-0 win over Red Force FC

March 19, 2026 by Damian Prone

Hudson Gay of FC Naples celebrates after scoring a goal for FC Naples against Red Force FC in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

With a dominant 3-0 victory over Red Force FC, FC Naples clinched its spot in the next round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The match, which took place at the Paradise Coast Complex on Wednesday night, marked the opening round of the 111th edition of the single-elimination tournament, the country’s oldest cup competition. FC Naples scored two goals in the first 30 minutes en route to its second win in three matches this season.

“It’s always an honor and a privilege to compete in the Open Cup,” FC Naples head coach Matt Poland said. “I love the tournament. It’s an amazing experience. It’s the ability to play different levels of teams and have players from all different levels showcasing their abilities.”

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FC Naples, competing in the club’s second US Open Cup, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Red Force deployed a 4-3-3. From the opening whistle, FC Naples set the tone with high pressure and quick ball movement, forcing Red Force onto the back foot. The match began with FC Naples taking control of the game and creating several chances.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, when midfielder Marc Torrellas opened the scoring after finishing an assist from Kevin O’Connor.

Just seven minutes later, FC Naples doubled its lead. Right winger Hudson Gay found the back of the net in the 30th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Ian Cerro.

“It feels good to score the first goal in my career,” Gay said. “I almost cried. I feel really good.”

Gay added that he plans to keep working hard every day to help the team succeed throughout the season.

Despite trailing early, Red Force found a bright spot in goalkeeper Edgard Perez, who delivered an outstanding performance despite giving up three goals. Perez made multiple key saves throughout the match, including stops in the 35th, 40th, 45th, 60th, and 82nd minutes, preventing the scoreline from becoming more lopsided.

FC Naples continued to create chances, with forward Andres Ferrin coming close to adding to the lead but failing to convert inside the box.

The home side maintained control in the second half, consistently winning possession and limiting Red Force’s attacking opportunities. By the end of the match, FC Naples held 63% possession and outshot Red Force 16-1, underscoring its dominance on both ends of the field. FC Naples managed the game from beginning to end.

The final goal came in stoppage time when forward Taylor Gray closed up the victory in the 92nd minute, finishing off O’Connor’s second assist of the night.

“Three goals in a game is a lot, so I am satisfied with it,” said Poland. “Most important thing is that we win and advance to the next round.”

With the scoreline reflecting a comfortable win, Perez’s five saves were instrumental in keeping the margin at three goals, highlighting one of the few positives for Red Force, a team making its 5th US Open Cup appearance. Red Force will end their tournament run seeking its first Open Cup win since 2014.

For FC Naples, they advance to the Second Round for the second year in a row.

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Tampa Bay Rowdies survive PK shootout with FC Naples

April 17, 2025 by Michael Anderer

Players from FC Naples and the Tampa Bay Rowdies battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

It took until the 10th round of penalty kicks for the struggling Tampa Bay Rowdies to show that they were the better side on the night against the lower division hosts, FC Naples. This game proved that the slightest of margins divides the bottom of the Championship division from the top of League One. A fitting match-up for the two leagues that have agreed to bring promotion and relegation to at least part of the United States soccer pyramid.

Promotion was not at stake on Wednesday night in Florida, but what was at stake was the opportunity for the victors to advance into the next round and possibly face an MLS side as that league joins the US Open Cup.

Tampa Bay Rowdies interim head coach, Steve Coleman, did not think his team was the better one on the night. He added, “It’s not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s important to build momentum in games like tonight. I think in this game in our week of three games in seven days is likely to be one of the tougher ones with the big crowd here tonight looking and smelling for an upset.” His message emphasized why this tournament is so important for the fans and the teams to win. Because it does come in the midweeks and during the regular season. It was a Wednesday night and still the FC Naples crowd showed up en masse to the tune of 3418 in stadium that at capacity holds 4600.

Tampa Bay earned the lead in the 26th minute when Manuel Arteaga fed a ball to Pacifique Niyongabire inside the FC Naples box and Niyongabire found the far post. The celebration for the visitors would be short-lived when Luka Prpa scored the equalizer just two minutes later. The teams would trade chances for the rest of the game but it would end tied and go into extra time. FC Naples had one of their best chances to win in the last minute of regulation as Jayden Onen would find himself running past the Rowdies backline into space. The defense recovered only to have Onen pass off to Naples striker, Karsen Henderlong, who then gave it up to Andres Ferrin. Ferrin would beat the Tampa Bay keeper with his effort but center back, Forrest Lasso, was there on the goal line to save the moment.

Lasso would be the hero of the match for the visitors eventually putting away the game winning penalty. The captain praised his teammates for their effort saying, “We used a lot of guys that maybe have not been used through out the year and everybody carried their weight. We made it to 10 PK’s so literally everyone on the field had to do something tonight.” He added, “The Open Cup is magical, there’s chaos, there’s opportunities left and right. Every team brings everything they have.” When asked about the next round of opponents Lasso ended in saying that as a team they don’t really watch the other results, they focus on themselves and getting ready for the next league match on the weekend.

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: FC Naples scores early, defense shines in shutout of Little Rock Rangers

April 3, 2025 by Michael Anderer

Players from FC Naples celebrate after scoring a goal against Little Rock Rangers in the Second Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: FC Naples

FC Naples waited until the 91st minute of their First Round US Open Cup match to score the game-winning goal against local rival, Sarasota Paradise. Last night, in front of an energetic home crowd, the USL League One leaders needed less than one minute to put away the game winning goal.

Midfielder Jayden Onen received a ball from Ian Cerro just outside of the visiting Little Rock Rangers’ box. Onen’s speed created the space he needed to score while most of the crowd of 2,174 fans were still settling into their seats.

Head coach of FC Naples, Matt Polland, started a rotated line-up for the Second Round match including giving a start to FC Naples Academy player, Roscoe Rubinstein, at the striker position. The balance of regular starters and reserve players was the right mix to breakdown the USL League Two opponent.

In the 14th minute, FC Naples defender, Brecc Evans, rose above his mark off a corner kick to head the second goal of the game. The goal gave FC Naples some breathing room but Polland said post-game that “After scoring the second goal we kind of went into cruise control for a little while which I wasn’t happy about, but the second half response was excellent. The defensive pressure, the effort was there obviously scoring another goal kind of put the game away.”

The third goal came for the home team came in 77th minute as substitute Andres Ferrin dribbled his way into the box and threaded a right-footed shot past Henry Hampshaw to seal the victory.

“Anytime we can give guys meaningful minutes it’s important,” said Pollard. “It allows for development. It’s a long season and you never know when you’re going to need to call on people so the ability to get more and more players meaningful minutes in these sorts of moments in very important for us for continuation through out the year.”

Little Rock played almost the entire game chasing a goal. Being the visitors, having to travel and face a team from a higher division was always going to be tough, but Little Rock did create problems for Naples.

It was not until the 60th minute when a foursome of FC Naples regulars subbed on that the imbalance between the two sides was truly exposed. In that last 30 minutes the home team constantly created dangerous chances barely letting the opposition out of their own half.

For FC Naples, the solid defensive performance combined with sustained attacking pressure was effective to secure their place in Round 3 in the club’s first appearance in the US Open Cup.

“We are feeling good, we are rolling right now,” said FC Naples defender Gustavo Fernandes. “Our mentality before the game was come out strong, come out with a lot of energy and I think we saw that in the first minute when we were able to get a goal so it was a good showing from us.”

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Kevin O’Connor’s late winner gives FC Naples first US-41 derby victory

March 19, 2025 by Christian Gomez

A capacity crowd welcomed Sarasota Paradise (USL League Two) and visitors FC Naples (USL League One) for the opening night of the 110th edition of the United States Open Cup. Sarasota found themselves without many of their key players, as they are in the middle of the collegiate season. A team was put together and only trained with each other for a week in the lead up to this match. New USL-1 expansion side FC Naples are currently second in the table, in the midst of a congested schedule.

“We’re in the middle of three games in eight games, so trying to manage players’ bodies right as we’re about to fly out to Washington is key,” said FC Naples head coach Matt “Gaffa” Poland. They rolled into Sarasota fresh off their inaugural win against Forward Madison and looked to convert that into positive momentum as they began their Open Cup journey.

FC Naples showed that they had played some competitive games already this season as Kevein O’Connor scored an 88th minute go-ahead goal to send the visitors into the Second Round with a 2-1 win.

The game right off the bat had an in-state rivalry feel with players bouncing each other within the first 15 minutes. Sarasota had a majority of the chances, the stand out being a great chance in the 20th minute created by Sarasota’s captain Juan Rojas to Chris Solari, but goalkeeper Edward Delgado of FC Naples held down the fort and saved the shot. In the 30th minute, there was a rough challenge by Naples’ Jayden Onen, which resulted in the referee having to call order on the pitch as the chippy antics from both teams were getting excessive.

After the hydration break, the referee was quick to get the cards out, assigning a yellow card to Sarasota’s Nikola Sljivic after a rough challenge. Julian Cisneros led two good opportunities for FC Naples in the last minutes of the first half, but unfortunately couldn’t convert those into goals. Another card was handed out before the end of the first half to Sarasota’s Jivian Rodriguez.

The second half started with a calmer tempo, as both teams faced the possibility of going into extra time if the game stayed level. FC Naples had a really good opportunity in the 53rd minute when a shot from Julian Cisneros curved just barely off target. A rough challenge on Sarasota’s captain Juan Rojas unfortunately ended his night early, which brought on the introduction of Nicholas Colacci. The local player was a much needed boost for the home side as they proceeded to have multiple great chances.

The best chance for Sarasota came in the 68th minute, as Nikola Sljivic was dragged onto the ground by Naples defender Julian Cisneros in the box. With how fine the margins were in this game, this was the golden opportunity for Sarasota to dictate the tempo for the rest of the match. Chris Solari stepped up to the spot and Naples goalkeeper Edward Delgado made a masterful save to keep his side level.

With twenty minutes to go, both sides knew very well the goal was going to happen and could be the difference between advancing or not. FC Naples found the breakthrough in the 79th minute, as weekend brace scorer and substitute Karsen Henderlong broke the deadlock and gave his side the lead with ten minutes left in regulation.

“Coming off the bench in this game gives me an opportunity to bring something to the team and getting my head on that ball just motivated the team,” said Karsen post-game.

The anxiety could be felt around the ground as the hosts found themselves behind with minutes left, facing elimination. Up to this point, they put up a great fight against a leading League One side. A moment of magic would be needed to draw this game level.

“As a forward, zero-zero, you wanna get that goal and we came out here feeling that we weren’t the underdog,” said Sarasota’s forward Nicholas Colacci.

The homegrown kid took command of his side and kept willing them through in the dying minutes of the game. This seemingly unprepared side showed grit and had a moment of brilliance, as Nicholas’ brother, Antonio, made a picture perfect pass to Nicholas on a quick counter attack and when it came down to Colacci & Naples keeper Delgado, the forward was able to bring his side level with three minutes to go in regulation.

For all the twists and turns this game had, it had one more up its sleeve. With extra time seemingly inevitable, Naples’ midfielder Kevin O’Connor sent a dagger through the hearts of the home crowd with a 91st minute game winner.

“As you know, in the cup, anything can happen, so we made sure that we went through,” said Kevin O’Connor after the game.

With Sarasota intending on moving up to League One next season, the league may have caught lightning in a bottle with a marquee derby. There is so much to look forward to with this newly born Florida derby.

As Sarasota prepares for their League Two season starting in May, a great crowd and vibe around the stadium will hopefully lead into another successful year as they intend on going back-to-back in the League Two Southern Florida conference.

Winners FC Naples move on to possibly face Miami FC in the next round. They travel to Spokane this weekend to continue their inaugural league campaign. Definitely a team to look out for as they have come out swinging so far in both competitions.