Naples Creates Second-Half Opportunities as Playoff Push Continues with Two-Game Road Stretch.
Naples, FL – [September 5, 2026] – FC Naples battled through two weather delays and continued to create opportunities Saturday night at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, but Athletic Club Boise capitalized on two key moments to earn a 2-0 victory.
The match was disrupted twice by weather, extending an already challenging night for both teams. Through the delays, FC Naples supporters remained behind the team as Naples continued its push for points during the closing stretch of the USL League One regular season.
Athletic Club Boise opened the scoring in the 16th minute when #14 Nick Moon found the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Naples came out of the break searching for an equalizer and nearly found one in the 49th minute. #21 Marc Torrellas unleashed a shot that beat the goalkeeper but struck the post, narrowly denying FC Naples a tying goal. Boise responded shortly afterward, with #10 Denys Kostyshyn scoring in the 51st minute off an assist from #7 Blake Bodily to extend the visitors’ advantage to 2-0.
FC Naples continued pressing despite the deficit. In the 54th minute, #11 Christopher Garcia nearly pulled one back with a spectacular attempt. #20 Jaylen Yearwood also threatened from the right side, sending a cross attempt narrowly wide.
Head Coach Zak Gordon pointed to FC Naples’ recent performances against some of the league’s strongest clubs as evidence of what the team is capable of producing as the playoff race enters its decisive stretch.
“We beat the top team in the league a week ago and outplayed them. We’ve beaten AV Alta twice. We’ve shown that we can win games against the top teams and outplay teams in the playoff spots,” Gordon said. “We just have to make sure we win these games, see it over the line, and capitalize on our chances and not give teams easy goals. That’s the big one. If we give away easy chances at the professional level, teams punish you, so we have to make sure we’re not giving them away.”
Captain and goalkeeper #1 Lalo Delgado emphasized the urgency within the locker room and thanked the supporters who stayed behind the team throughout the difficult weather conditions.
“We keep going. Next Friday is a very important game, and it has to be won because it has to be won. It’s a final. Every game from here on, and the ones that have already passed, are finals,” said Delgado. “As captain, thank you to our supporters, to everyone, for the support. You were incredible from the start, through the rain, through the delay — all the support you showed. You have my heart, they know it, and I love them. A big hug, and we keep pushing forward. Thank you.”
Two Critical Matches on the Road
FC Naples now takes its playoff push on the road for its next two matches, beginning Friday, September 11 against One Knoxville SC at 7:00 p.m. The club then travels to face Fort Wayne FC on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to follow FC Naples on the road and watch both matches on ESPN+. Broadcast information and the complete schedule are available at www.fcnaples.com/schedule.
Three Straight Home Matches Await FC Naples
Following the two-game road stretch, FC Naples returns to Paradise Coast Sports Complex for three consecutive home matches.
· Sat., Sept. 26 – FC Naples vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC – Kickoff at 7:00 pm
· Sat., Oct. 3 – FC Naples vs. the New York Cosmos – Kickoff at 7:00 pm
· Wed., Oct. 7 – FC Naples vs. Richmond Kickers – Kickoff at 7:00 pm
Tickets for FC Naples home matches are on sale now 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.