Naples soccer club prepares to host Orlando City in historic match

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — FC Naples is preparing for a franchise first.

On Wednesday night, the second-year USL League One club will host Orlando City in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, marking the first time FC Naples has faced an MLS opponent.

The match is another milestone for a club still building its history, but one that has already found early success. FC Naples played its way into the Round of 32, the stage where MLS teams enter the tournament, by winning its first two Open Cup matches.

For head coach Matt Poland, the opportunity carries significance far beyond the 90 minutes on the field.

“You know, the MLS is two divisions higher than us right, they're the top league in the U.S and so to be able to have them come to our field for an official match, have them face us and have to treat us as equals for 90 minutes is so massive for not only the players, but for the organization and for the community and the fans,” Poland said.

FC Naples opened training to WINK Sports ahead of the match, offering an all-access look at how the club is preparing for the biggest challenge of its short existence.

The day began before dawn, with Poland arriving early and heading to his office above the pitch before players took the field.

From that office, Poland looked out over the field and reflected on how quickly the club has arrived at this moment.

“When you look out and you see palm trees, the sun rising, and a beautiful soccer field. I mean, it's every day, it’s a quick reminder of gratitude,” Poland said.

Even with the stakes of facing an MLS side, Poland said the approach inside the building does not change. Meetings with the coaching staff, film study and training plans still drive the preparation.

The challenge, he said, is balancing sharpness with recovery during a demanding stretch.

“Really being intentional with the training sessions, the amount of time, not just that they're working in the training session, but just how much time on feet, making sure that we're rotating guys. But ultimately, that's part of being a pro, is these weeks, and this week is a result of the success they've had in the Open Cup by adding another game to the schedule,” Poland said.

Midfielder Kevin O’Connor said the players understand exactly what is in front of them.

“We back ourselves, but we know how tough it's going to be and it's just something to look to be excited about and look forward to, you know? It's a showcase, and, you know, we're expecting a full crowd for it, and obviously it's the 1st time ever that the club gets to play an MLS team. So it's a huge occasion for the club and we get them at home,” O’Connor said.

For Poland, the matchup is about more than a one-night opportunity. It is another sign of how quickly FC Naples has established itself.

In its inaugural season, the club became the first expansion team in USL League One history to host and win a playoff match. Now, in year two, it gets another landmark moment at home.

“I think it's the ability to get here is really the true measuring stick, to take care of business in the first two rounds, to advance, to face an MLS side, is showing the growth as the club, showing that we're a legitimate club that's playing at a high level, and, you know, finding ways to get results,” Poland said.

FC Naples and Orlando City are scheduled to kick off Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in Naples.