Orlando City SC held on to win 1-0 over FC Naples in the US Open Cup Round of 32 after a controversial no-goal call in the second half kept them in the lead and FC Naples off the board at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Wednesday night.
“It was a tough game,” said interim head coach Martín Perelman. “We knew they were going to fight, they were going to try to do their best. Congratulations to them because they did an amazing game, and as well, congratulations to our players because I think they did a huge effort.”
“This cup is not easy and we competed. We got what we came looking for. Our young players were able to get minutes to help us and I’m happy for the victory.”
The controversial moment came in the 70th minute. Following a corner kick from FC Naples’ Kevin O’Connor, substitute Dominick Bachstein pushed the ball toward goal. Orlando defender Nolan Miller attempted to clear it off the line, but FC Naples players and coach Matt Poland argued the ball had fully crossed.
“I feel bad for our guys,” Polland said. “They fought to earn the goal. And for that goal not to be counted is obviously really disappointing because I thought we were playing well enough, and we scored the goal. It clearly crossed the line, but it isn’t called.”
Without VAR available at this stage of the tournament, the no-goal call stood.