Match Preview: One Knoxville SC vs. FC Naples
Thirs versus fourth in key battle near the top
Match: One Knoxville SC vs. FC Naples
Date: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025. 19:00 (Eastern)
Venue: Covenant Health Park, Knoxville, TN. Capacity: 6,500
How to watch: ESPN+
Tickets: One Knoxville Website
One Knoxville SC hosts FC Naples for the first ever time as third face fourth in a key battle at the top of the USL League One table.
Knoxville (P:19 W:9 D:7 L:3 GD:+10) comes into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss away to Richmond Kickers last Saturday. They’ve got a middling record at home, having won only five of their eight league fixtures at Covenant Health Park. Importantly though, they' haven’t lost at home. They’re one point ahead of Naples but have played a game less.
Naples (P:20 W:9 D:6 L:5 GD:+5) sits in fourth place and drew 0-0 away to Forward Madison last time out. They’re decent away from home having only lost three of their 10 road assignments this season in the league. They can leap-frog Knoxville, and into third place with a win tonight but will still have played a game more.
The stakes go beyond playoff qualification for the playoffs, as finishing in the top four guarantees a home match. Both teams will desperately want to be in that bracket as we head into the business-end of the season. Events kick-off at 7pm tonight and the game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. The Southeast Soccer Report will provide full in-stadium coverage of the game.
The History
Given this is Naples’ first ever season, today's match will be just the second time these sides have met. Back in April, Knoxville were 1-0 winners at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, a Kempes Tekiela penalty in the 45th minute all that separated the two teams. And while Naples enjoyed a slight majority of possession that day (56%), Knoxville were dominant in shots (13 to 10), shots on target (5 to 3), and big chances (2 to 0).
Report cards and lineups
Knoxville
One Knox is coming off a 1-0 loss to Richmond on August 23, their first defeat since July 5. The club still hasn’t lost at home this season, and a strong crowd could help Knoxville regain momentum.
Head Coach Ian Fuller has been pretty consistent with recent starting XIs and tactical decisions. I expect something like the above to start tonight. Knoxville are not a free-scoring side, in fact they rank 11th in goals scored (27) on the regular season, only a 15% conversion rate (10th in the league). Their strength lies in good goalkeeping (7 clean sheets, 3rd best in League One. They’ve only conceded 17 goals all season, only Spokane are more airtight. Babacar Diene is their top scorer, with the Senegalese striker netting five in the league.
Naples
While One Knox’s unbeaten run since July is impressive, FC Naples hasn’t lost since June. They do, however, have a losing record in away games.
Like Fuller, Head Coach Matt Poland is very consistent with his selections, making only minor changes in midfield over their last three games. Naples is one of the league’s most efficient attacking teams. They feature the league’s second-leading scorer, in Karsen Henderlong, and rank sixth in goals despite attempting the fewest shots. With a 19% conversion rate, nearly one of every five shots they take finds the net.
Analysis and Predictions
It’s really hard to look beyond Knoxville in terms of predicting an outcome for this match. They’re the home side, are better on paper, have a better overall record and a better home record (5-3-0) than Naples’s away record (3-3-4).
Having said that, it’s no guarantee. Naples are a quality side and are not that far off Knoxville. It will be tight.
I’m going for a home win, 1-0.