It was a remarkable coda to FC Naples’ home games. In this, their inaugural season, Naples’ first-ever professional sports team made it to the playoffs, hosted a playoff game by virtue of their record, and then won that quarterfinal match to advance to the semifinals.
USL League One, the third tier of professional soccer in the U.S., includes 26 teams. The top eight reach the playoffs, and the four teams with the best records host those quarterfinal matches. Naples became the first expansion team in league history to host a playoff game, taking on Union Omaha, the defending league champion, and beating them.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that the game was that bane of soccer matches, a scoreless tie, all the way through 90 minutes of regulation play and an additional 30 minutes of extra time (plus additional minutes of stoppage time).
FC Naples has seen its share of draws this season, notching three in a row during one stretch in August. But in the playoffs, someone has to win, and someone has to lose, so after two hours of end-to-end action, the two teams went to a penalty kick shootout, with five players from each team alternating shots against just a goalkeeper. And here is where it got really interesting.
FC Naples head coach Matt Poland, a Marco Island resident with deep connections to the community, pulled Edward Delgado, the keeper who had notched five saves and a shutout during two hours of play, and put in reserve keeper Joel Serrano, who had played only 13 minutes during the season.
“Listen, both are phenomenal goalkeepers. Both are incredible,” said Poland after the game. “Just given the amount of minutes played, we felt like it was the right time to put Joel in. He’s really good at penalties. Obviously, you can tell he’s very springy and gets over there quickly.”
Read the full Coastal Breeze News article here…
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, the team’s mission is to create a world-class family experience and to forge a title-contending squad that will be the pride of Southwest Florida. FC Naples’ crest, colors, and culture reflect the community’s rich history of strength and resilience, as well as its deep connection to the beach and waterways that have shaped the community. The team stands proud to represent the vibrant spirit of Naples. Learn more about the team at www.FCNaples.com.