FC Naples falls 1-0 to MLS team Orlando City in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32

Southwest Florida club puts up a fight but comes up short against professional opponent

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a soccer match, with overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the players, fans, and field of play.The passionate supporters of FC Naples create an electric atmosphere, even in the face of a tough loss against a professional MLS opponent.Naples Today

In what was a true David versus Goliath matchup, the young FC Naples club hosted Major League Soccer's Orlando City in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32. While FC Naples hung tough, they ultimately fell 1-0 to the more experienced MLS side in front of a sellout crowd at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

Why it matters

This was the first time a professional soccer team had come to Naples, and it represented a major milestone for the young FC Naples club, which is only in its second year of existence. The match provided an opportunity for the club and its passionate fans to showcase the growth of the sport in Southwest Florida.

The details

Orlando City struck first with an early goal in the first half, but FC Naples began to settle in and threaten the MLS club's defense. Though they fired 16 shots on goal, the Naples club was unable to find the back of the net and ultimately fell short in their upset bid.

  • The match took place on Wednesday night at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

The players

FC Naples

A young soccer club based in Naples, Florida that is currently in its second season of play.

Orlando City SC

A Major League Soccer team based in Orlando, Florida that competes in the Eastern Conference.

Kevin O'Connor

A player for FC Naples who praised the passionate support from the club's fans.

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What they’re saying

“I thought that the atmosphere was amazing, I thought the club really showed out tonight. I saw everybody that turned up, from the first minute they were here, 30-35 minutes before kickoff, and it really spurs on, and that means a lot to us. I think they got a glimpse of what FC Naples really is.”

— Kevin O'Connor, FC Naples player

What’s next

While their U.S. Open Cup run has come to a close, FC Naples still sits atop the USL League One standings and will continue their quest for a championship.

The takeaway

This match highlighted the growing popularity of soccer in Southwest Florida and the passion of the FC Naples fanbase, even in the face of a tough loss against a more established professional opponent. The club's performance and the electric atmosphere showed the potential for the sport to continue expanding in the region.