Naples, FL – August 5, 2026 – Despite a stormy evening, more than 2,000 loyal FC Naples supporters came out to witness a dramatic 2-1 victory over AV ALTA FC, at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. With a resilient performance highlighted by goals from #9 Gio Miglietti and #10 Andrés Ferrín, FC Naples earned three crucial points against one of the top possession teams in USL League One.
The victory came on a special Women in Business Night, with players from Azzurri Storm’s girls teams serving as both ball kids and walkout kids, creating a memorable atmosphere before kickoff.
Forward #9 Gio Miglietti broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, converting an assist from #14 Kevin O’Connor. AV ALTA FC leveled in the 73rd minute when #7 Jerry Desdunes converted a penalty kick, but FC Naples refused to be denied. In the 90th minute, FC Naples’ captain and goalkeeper #1 Lalo Delgado launched a free kick the length of the field, where #10 Andrés Ferrín closed the deal, burying the winning goal and sending the home crowd into a frenzy, sealing all three points.
Head Coach Zak Gordon praised his team’s response after weeks of work behind the scenes. “What we’ve been stressing the last three weeks since the change has been improving the intensity and competitiveness in our training sessions, and improving our winning mentality and behaviors,” Gordon said. “AV ALTA is a very good team — one of the best ball-dominant teams in the league — and our guys were just relentless in their behaviors tonight.”
Miglietti reflected on scoring the opening goal. “It was good, very exciting. Defensively, we’ve been a little shaky on set pieces, but we’re turning it around — finding joy and suffering together. That’s a big moment for us, turning what used to be our weakness into our strength. We’re going to take it to people on set pieces now and make sure they’re defending us.”
One of the newest additions to the team, #4 Hal Uderitz, praised the loyal FC Naples fans. “For them to come out despite the storm right before kickoff shows how passionate they are,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for coming out and supporting us.” Uderitz added that the club’s lone conceded goal came via penalty rather than the run of play, a positive sign for a defense that “put in a really good shift” as a unit.
Up Next: FC Naples on the Road at Westchester SC
FC Naples looks to build momentum on Saturday, August 15, when the club travels to face Westchester SC. Fans unable to make the trip can catch the match at home — FC Naples’ official watch party partner, Hopsized Brewing, will host a viewing party at kickoff time (7:00 pm) for supporters looking to cheer the team on from Naples.
FC Naples calls on all fans to continue rallying behind the club as it fights for its first win streak of the 2026 season. Tickets for upcoming home matches are available at www.fcnaples.com/tickets.
About FC Naples
FC Naples is Southwest Florida’s first professional soccer team, based at the state-of-the-art Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Florida. In their inaugural 2025 USL League One season, the club finished fourth in the regular season standings and qualified for the playoffs. The club’s mission is to create a world-class family experience and forge a title-contending team to 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 a deep connection to the beaches and waterways that have shaped the region. Learn more at www.FCNaples.com.