Lely High School Graduate, Ty Collins, makes professional debut with FC Naples during signature performance.
Naples, FL – [August 26, 2026] – FC Naples rose to one of the biggest challenges of its young history Wednesday night, defeating first-place Union Omaha 2-0 before an energized home crowd at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
Facing the #1 team in the USL League One standings, FC Naples delivered a composed and determined performance that reflected the ambition and resilience that have defined the organization since its inception. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric throughout the evening, with supporters cheering from the opening whistle and building in volume as FC Naples pressed forward.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. Following a corner kick from midfielder #14 Kevin O’Connor, forward #45 Nicolas Likulia anticipated the developing play and finished the opportunity to give FC Naples a 1-0 advantage.
“I was just trying to read the next play,” Likulia said. “That’s the hardest thing to do as a forward. You’ve always got to be ready. I was there, I read the ball well, and I just finished it.”
The goal brought the crowd to its feet and sent a surge of energy through the stadium as Naples carried the lead into halftime.
Head Coach Zak Gordon turned to his bench in the 58th minute, bringing #10 Andrés Ferrín and #11 Christopher Garcia into the match. The move paid off in the 75th minute when O’Connor created another scoring opportunity and delivered the assist to Ferrín, who finished the play to double the FC Naples lead.
“I think this is maybe one of the best performances that FC Naples has had in a year and a half of its existence,” Gordon said. “We haven’t beaten the top team in the league before, and we shut them out. We haven’t had a clean sheet in a couple of months, so for us to score multiple goals and a clean sheet against the best team in the league, I’m just really proud of our group.”
The victory also included a milestone for 18-year-old #24 Ty Collins, a Southwest Florida native who made his professional debut when he entered the match in the 77th minute. Collins immediately contributed energy to the attack and drew a foul in the penalty area during one of his runs toward goal.
“No player is going to get on the pitch for us right now if they’re not earning every second,” Gordon said. “Everybody’s being treated the same right now, and they have to earn their keep, and Ty’s done that. He deserved the minutes that he got tonight.”
For Collins, making his professional debut in front of his hometown supporters made the moment especially meaningful.
“It’s great. I love my fans, I love everybody around here, and I’m just grateful they’re out here to support me,” Collins said. “These guys have dedication for soccer. The fans are just great. You can hear them the whole game no matter what you do. It’s a great environment.”
Gordon said the result reflected the urgency with which FC Naples is approaching the second half of the season.
“The guys have known that we have a task at hand, which is every match is a cup final for the second half of the season,” Gordon said. “We’re approaching every game with the mindset that it could be the last game of the season, and that’s a really good motivator for players.”
Upcoming Matches
August 29 — FC Naples at Greenville Triumph SC (7:00 PM EST) — FC Naples hits the road again to face Greenville Triumph SC. Fans can catch all the action at home by tuning in for the National Broadcast at 7:00 pm. Links are available at www.fcnaples.com/schedule.
September 5 – FC Naples will host Athletic Club Boise (7:30 PM EST) – FC Naples returns home to Paradise Coast Sports Complex for another White Out Night, calling on all fans to wear white and pack the stands as the club hosts Athletic Club Boise.
FC Naples calls on all fans to be part of these upcoming matches. Tickets are available online 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.