FC Naples secured a dominant 3-0 victory over FC America Tuesday night at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, clinching a spot in the Round of 32 for the second straight year in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
FC Naples took control almost immediately, earning a penalty in just the second minute of the match. Forward Andres Ferrin stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the kick in the third minute, giving the home side an early 1-0 lead.
The turning point came just before halftime. In the 44th minute, FC America forward Pedro Espindola received a red card, forcing the visitors to play the rest of the match with 10 players. The dismissal shifted the momentum heavily in favor of FC Naples heading into the second half.
“We are excited that we won, and the opportunity to get to face an MLS side,” FC Naples head coach Matt Poland said. “Anytime you get to face MLS sides, it’s incredible. It means you have done things right.”
FC Naples will move on to play an MLS team in the next round and has good chances of hosting the game.