FC Naples hosts defending champ One Knoxville in top-of-table clash

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—FC Naples will host defending league champion One Knoxville SC on Saturday night in a matchup between the two teams currently tied at the top of the USL League One standings.

The game carries extra weight for FC Naples, who are still seeking redemption after last year's semifinal loss to the same opponent. Goalkeeper Lalo Delgado said the team is motivated by that defeat.

"This team owes one. You're the ones that eliminated us last year. So that just been the message, right back to our standards, back to winning ways and hard-working mentality," Delgado said.

The goalkeeper emphasized the home-field advantage FC Naples plans to leverage.

"No one wants to come out here in this heat and play against us and the intensity that we play at," Delgado said.

Despite the emotion surrounding the rematch and the leaderboard implications, Head Coach Matt Poland said his team will maintain their usual approach.

"Really focus on controlling the controllables. We don't need to build things bigger than they are or smaller than they are. Accept it, you know, recognize it's an important game. It's a good team that we're playing against, but when we are at our best, it's when we're focusing on ourselves," Poland said.

The match marks FC Naples' first home game since hosting MLS side Orlando City SC two weeks ago, ending the team's longest road stretch of the season. A Cinco de Mayo celebration sponsored by Ave Maria will add to the atmosphere.

"I'll even go out and say this is as big as a match against Orlando. So it's gonna be a big game tomorrow. So we would love to have everyone out here, high energy, loud chants," Delgado said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.