FC Naples advanced to the Second Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a decisive 3-0 victory over Red Force FC Wednesday night at the Paradise Coast Complex in Naples, Florida.
The win, marking FC Naples’ second appearance in the tournament, came as the opening round of the 111th edition of the nation’s oldest soccer competition. FC Naples quickly established dominance, scoring twice within the first 30 minutes of play.
Midfielder Marc Torrellas broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, finishing a scoring opportunity created by a well-placed assist from Kevin O’Connor. Just seven minutes later, Hudson Gay extended the lead, capitalizing on a pass from Ian Cerro to position FC Naples firmly in control.
“It’s always an honor and a privilege to compete in the Open Cup,” said FC Naples head coach Matt Poland. “I love the tournament. It’s an amazing experience. It’s the ability to play different levels of teams and have players from all different levels showcasing their abilities.”
Despite the early deficit, Red Force FC goalkeeper Edgard Perez delivered a standout performance, making several crucial saves throughout the match. Perez denied FC Naples scoring attempts in the 35th, 40th, 45th, 60th, and 82nd minutes, preventing a potentially larger margin of defeat.
FC Naples maintained control of possession throughout the second half, limiting Red Force’s opportunities to mount a comeback. The home side finished the match with 63% possession and a significant advantage in shots, 16-1.
Taylor Gray sealed the victory for FC Naples in the 92nd minute, converting a second assist from O’Connor. Poland expressed satisfaction with the team’s offensive output, stating, “Three goals in a game is a lot, so I am satisfied with it. Most important thing is that we win and advance to the next round.”
Red Force FC, making its fifth US Open Cup appearance, is still seeking its first Open Cup win since 2014. FC Naples will now move on to the Second Round of the tournament, replicating their performance from the previous year.
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