FC Naples to host Orlando City SC in historic U.S. Open Cup match

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—FC Naples will host Orlando City SC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, marking the first time the second-year club will face a Major League Soccer team.

WINK News was inside the room as FC Naples watched the draw live. All eyes were on the screen when their name was picked first, and then seconds later, it became official—a home matchup against MLS side Orlando City SC.

"Second year team… first time that we play against an MLS team," Luca Mastrantonio, a defender for FC Naples, said. "For me, it's my first year here, so I'm super happy to be part of it."

For a club in just its second season, this is history. Inside the excitement comes the challenge of staying locked in.

"We're a really hungry team that wants to get after it, and regardless of who's in front of us, yeah, maybe the game plan changes a bit," Lalo Delgado, a goalkeeper for FC Naples, said. "But still, like we said, whatever the game plan is, the guys are ready for it."

Julian Cisneros, a defender for FC Naples, said the team is bound to make history at some point. He said he's excited to keep going and keep moving on.

The matchup is a chance to show the Southwest Florida soccer scene what this young club can do. Matt Poland, head coach of FC Naples, said some communities have been around with a pro team for years and never gotten an experience like this.

"For them to get this in the second year and be able to host an MLS team is fantastic and just happy they get to experience something so amazing," Poland said.

The historic matchup against Orlando City is set for April 14 or 15 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.