FC Naples falls 1-0 to Orlando City SC in sold-out US Open Cup debut

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—FC Naples fell 1-0 to Orlando City SC in a heartbreaking U.S. Open Cup loss at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

The stadium was packed with a sold-out crowd for the biggest night in FC Naples history. It was the first time the club faced an MLS team.

"It's huge. It's the biggest match they've ever had to play against the fully professional team from MLS," said Jared Grifoni, an FC Naples season ticket holder.

"This is the busiest night so far, and everybody is rooting for FC Naples."

FC Naples fell behind 1-0 in the first half and couldn't find the equalizer. The team had several good chances to score, including one that appeared to find the net but was ruled no goal.

Head coach Matt Poland said the team more than held its own against an MLS opponent. He said it should give the team confidence moving forward.

"They competed for 90 minutes against an MLS side, and should have been tied 1-1 after that 98 minutes," Poland said.

"So as a team, hopefully, we take this with confidence to move forward and league play."

Midfielder Kevin O'Connor said the performance showed the team can play with high-level competition.

"I think we more than matched them. I think I genuinely think for 97 minutes, I think we were the better team," O'Connor said.

FC Naples won't advance in the tournament. The club is back in regular-season action Sunday.