In an electrifying start to its inaugural season, FC Naples fought to a thrilling 1-1 draw against the Chattanooga Red Wolves at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. This historic match marked the club’s first official competition in USL League One, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey in professional soccer.
A record-breaking 4,618 fans packed the stadium, creating an energetic atmosphere that showcased the community’s overwhelming support for their new team. The impressive turnout underscored FC Naples' growing influence in Southwest Florida and reinforced the region’s passion for the sport.
Leading the charge for FC Naples, forward Andrés Ferrín secured his place in club history by scoring the team’s first-ever goal. Luka Prpa and Kevin O’Connor played pivotal roles in the attack, crafting multiple scoring opportunities with their creativity and precision. On the defensive end, Brecc Evans anchored the backline with an outstanding 93 completed passes, maintaining composure and structure. Goalkeeper Edward Delgado delivered a commanding performance, demonstrating confidence and reliability in goal.
Midfielder Chris Heckenberg expressed enthusiasm for the team’s offensive showing, stating, “I think it was really promising. In preseason, we didn't score as much as we would have liked, but today, we had six or seven shots, a whole bunch on target. The penalty was obviously really good, so I think it's really promising for us going into the rest of the season.”
Throughout the match, FC Naples dominated possession, controlling 66.8% of the ball compared to Chattanooga’s 33.2%. Despite conceding an early second-half goal to Chattanooga’s Omar Hernandez, FC Naples responded with resilience and determination. Ferrín’s equalizer sent the home crowd into a frenzy, reinforcing the team’s competitive spirit and setting an optimistic tone for the season.
Head Coach Matt Poland emphasized the importance of confidence and perseverance, stating, “Our players should be confident in the way that we play, staying true to our style and remaining resilient when things don’t go our way. The game will open up more as we progress, and we need to stay disciplined and ready for goal-scoring opportunities when they come.”
Next Match – March 15: FC Naples vs. Forward Madison FC
FC Naples is set to return to Paradise Coast Sports Complex on March 15 to face Forward Madison FC. After an encouraging start, the team aims to build momentum and secure a strong performance in front of their passionate supporters. This highly anticipated match offers fans another chance to experience the excitement of live soccer and support their local club in its inaugural season.
About FC Naples
FC Naples is the first professional soccer team based at the state-of-the-art Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida. As a United Soccer League expansion team, FC Naples is committed to delivering a world-class experience while striving to build a title-contending team that represents the pride of Southwest Florida. The club’s crest, colors, and culture reflect Naples' rich history of strength and resilience, along with its deep ties to the region’s beaches and waterways. Learn more about the team at www.FCNaples.com.
Collaborator Credits: C2 Communications
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