FC Naples Wins a Thriller Against Budding Rivals Sarasota Paradise

Henderlong, O'Connor score goals to secure 2-1 win in US Open Cup first round action

Image credit Twitter user CevicheOverlord, used by permission

Two Southwest Florida clubs made their respective US Open Cup debuts on Tuesday night, as amateur side Sarasota Paradise hosted FC Naples in the first round.

It’s a rivalry in the making, as Sarasota Paradise is set to join USL League One in 2026, and is located just two hours from Naples. Indeed, a strong contingent of Naples fans made the trip for this match, including members of FC Naples’ supporter group, Barra 239.

Given all of the hype, the match was played in front of a near capacity crowd at the Premier Sports Campus stadium, a facility that will see some professional-level upgrades in time for the 2026 season.

Sarasota had to put together a roster of what they called “local heroes,” as the USL League Two preseason does not start until May. The roster included multiple professional free agents and former pros, including goalkeeper Eric Walker (St Louis 2, Indy Eleven), midfielder Kyle Carr (Chattanooga FC, Lansing Ignite), Travis Ward (Maryland Bobcats, Chattanooga FC, Greenville Triumph) and Nabi Kibunguchy (Orlando City B, Minnesota United, Sacramento Republic).

Sarasota had the first 2 shots on target, forcing Naples keeper Lalo Delgado to make a pair of saves in the first 20 minutes of the match. Meanwhile, FC Naples dominated first half possession, but struggled to enter the final third, not placing a single shot on target.

In an attempt to jumpstart the offense in the second half, Naples Head Coach Matt Poland made a tactical substitution in the 62nd minute by entering forwards Karsen Henderlong and Andrés Ferrín. The former had a brace over the weekend against Forward Madison, while the latter scored Naples’ first goal ever in a week one draw with Chattanooga.

However, it was Sarasota with the next serious chance, when Naples’ defender Julian Cisneros took down a Sarasota player in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Unfortunately for Sarasota, Delgado correctly predicted the attempt by Christopher Solari and made the save.

But in the 79th minute, Naples finally got on the board when Henderlong headed in a corner kick by Kevin O’Connor.

While the professionals went up a goal, it did not slow Sarasota’s momentum. In the 88th minute, Javier Salgado got behind the defense on a breakaway. Delgado saved the initial shot with a deflection, but Salgado got ahold of it and sent the ball into the empty net.

Not to be outdone, Naples struck back with the match winner just minutes later. O’Conner took a close range shot, saved by Walker on a deflection, but O’Connor was able to bury the second shot into the top of the net.

FC Naples will move on to the next round, with an opponent to be selected in an upcoming draw. The second round will take place the week of April 1st.

In the meantime, we all look forward to seeing this rivalry continue to grow when Sarasota Paradise joins USL League One in 2026.

Match Details

Goals:

• NAP: Henderlong, 79’ (O’Connor)

• SAR: Salgado, 88’

• NAP: O’Connor, 90+1’