Tampa Bay Rowdies US Open Cup vs. FC Naples Preview

Written by James Knowles

Date: Wednesday April 16, 2025

Kickoff Time: 7:00 pm EST at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples

The Rowdies join the 2025 US Open Cup in the third round, two rounds after their upcoming opponents played their first ever game in the competition. Not only have Naples moved on in the Cup, they have also dominated in the USL League 1, currently topping the table there.

This is another huge match. Get down to Naples on Wednesday to cheer on the Green and Gold!

So, just how good is Naples?

Obviously when dealing with teams in different leagues, there is a natural arrogance if one of those is considered a higher tier. That being said, the level of leagues in American soccer can often be arbitrary. Without sparking a discussion about promotion and relegation, expansion, or Soccer Wars™ in general, we should probably do away with that arrogance immediately.

Yes, FC Naples play in the USL League 1. They are leading the league, having not lost a game since their life as a professional club began. Part of this exceptional play so far is down to the players they have (naturally). Several of them have crossed paths before at other clubs in their careers. There’s a familiarity, especially seemingly at the back, and a comfort that comes with it.

In net, Lalo Delgado joined the club from Northern Colorado Hailstorm, a victim of poor financial management. He’s joined by his former teammate Brecc Evans and another USL League 1 vet in Jake Dengler. Between the three of them, it’s actually the keeper who’s the shortest. Good luck beating them in the air if anyone other than Forrest Lasso is challenging.

Their #8 Chris Heckenberg is another important part of the spine for Naples. Despite his jersey, he sits in the #6 position, shielding the defense. Joining from another League 1 contraction – Central Valley Fuego – he has nous to build with the ball and defend against it. Usually playing in something akin to a 4-1-4-1, Heckenberg often stands out with a prominent role in everything the southern Floridians do.

When attacking, the wingers become more important, as they look to stretch play and crash the box on the opposite side. Jayden Onen was the first ever signing for Naples. He has repaid their faith in him with excellent displays despite only having one assist in league play. Colombian Andres Ferrin has chipped in, and both have found more success in the Open Cup.

Up top is the real beneficiary of the play between Onen, Ferrin, and the players behind them. Karsen Henderlong has five goals in the league and one from their first Open Cup match against Sarasota. His height allows him to get to crosses coming from either wing and from set pieces. Previously with Indy Eleven, Henderlong seems to have found his level in Naples.

The Rowdies, on the other hand, are in a place of transition. Having dismissed their manager a day before their first home game, it’s safe to say things are up in the air. They were unable to muster what was required to win that first home game; although, it should be noted they played the top team in their own division. Loudoun United left Al Lang with all three points on Saturday.

Assistant manager Steve Coleman took over on the sidelines after having joined the side only a few months ago. It will be up to him to determine what the best way is to line his team up vs. Naples. The Rowdies have switched between a back four and a back three so far to start the year. Matching their opponent may not require as many people at the back.

Instead, it may be pertinent to keep enough players in the midfield to handle their preferred formation and maybe overrun the area. Long balls up top should be kept to a minimum; therefore, a passing game in buildup is essential. The good news is that Forrest Lasso and Leo Fernandes both returned this past weekend. They could help lead the Rowdies in this one like they have for so long beforehand.