FC Naples Advances to USL League one Semifinals After Dramatic Shootout Victory Over Union Omaha
NAPLES, FL – FC Naples stunned defending champion Union Omaha in a penalty shootout Wednesday night, becoming the first expansion team to win a home playoff match in its debut season. The match remained scoreless through 120 minutes of play, ultimately decided 4-3 in the shootout after goalkeeper Joel Serrano‘s decisive save.
Naples absorbed early pressure from Omaha, who registered nine shot attempts in the first 30 minutes. The hosts found their rhythm in the second half, with Marc Torrellas forcing a save from Omaha’s Rashid Nuhu in the 62nd minute. Throughout the match and two periods of extra time, both goalkeepers proved pivotal; Nuhu made three saves, while Edward Delgado recorded five for Naples.
A late injury to Delgado necessitated a substitution, bringing Serrano into the contest. He proved immediately impactful, saving Mark Bronnik’s attempt in the shootout to secure the victory.
The shootout saw Luka Prpa, Jake Dengler, and Jayden Onen convert for Naples, while Sergio Ors Navarro, Pato Botello Faz, and Isidro Martinez scored for Omaha. Ian Garrett’s triumphant kick ultimately sealed the win for the fourth-seeded Naples.
This victory marks the fourth penalty shootout in USL League One history and extends the winning record of No. 4 seeds in the playoffs to 5-0 since the playoff field expanded in 2021. FC Naples will now advance to the Semifinals, 90 minutes from a chance to compete for the League one title.
Serrano was named USLLeagueOne.com Player of the Match for his crucial performance, despite playing only 13 regular season minutes. Union Omaha’s loss marks their first since a 1-0 defeat to One Knoxville SC on August 16.
