The thing about expansion seasons? You think you have an idea how they’re going to go, but reality is when you’re working with a blank slate and little to go off on style and progress in preseason, you’re generally going to be pretty in the dark.
It makes things like preseason predictions very easy to get hopelessly wrong.
Which brings us to FC Naples, which right here was handed a projected finish of 13th place a few weeks ago.
Now, there’s a long way to go, but FC Naples is on top of the standings after three games this season, and the numbers they’ve put up so far – as well as victories against both Forward Madison FC and Spokane Velocity FC in the past two weeks – have Naples looking like a legitimate playoff contender.
Head Coach Matt Poland’s side has an Expected Goals mark (3.98xG) that’s more than double its Expected Goals Against mark (1.72xGA), with the structure the side is showing defensively leaving opponents to settle for lower-quality opportunities, as illustrated here by our friend John Morrissey.
In addition to sitting with seven points from three games, Naples’ Expected Points mark is also the best in the league at 5.79xP per American Soccer Analysis, and while we’d like to see someone other than Karsen Henderlong find the net with a little consistency, you can’t argue with success.
Seven points from three games also ties the best three-game start an expansion side has made in League One, excluding the inaugural season, equaling the mark set by Union Omaha at the start of the 2020 campaign.
With a strong fanbase behind them, and a chance to advance to the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup on the horizon, things look ahead of schedule at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
Here’s where things stand this week.
Rank |
Team |
Change |
Summary |
|
1 | ![]() |
Greenville Triumph SC (1-0-1) Week 4: vs. SPK |
![]() Last Week: 1 |
Triumph needed a penalty shootout to get through its Open Cup tie against Asheville City, but at least they’re through. Should be a good game this weekend against Spokane. |
2 | ![]() |
One Knoxville SC (1-0-1) Week 4: --- |
![]() Last Week: 2 |
Mark Doyle and Kempes Tekiela led the way in spoiling Texoma FC’s inaugural home opener. Solid performance all the way around after navigating a tricky road tie at Appalachian FC in midweek. |
3 | ![]() |
FC Naples (2-0-1) Week 4: vs. POR |
![]() Last Week: 6 |
Who had FC Naples on top of the standings after three weeks? Knocking off two teams that were in last year’s postseason semifinals in consecutive weeks is a pretty big statement. |
4 | ![]() |
Westchester SC (0-0-1) Week 4: @ TXO |
![]() Last Week: 4 |
It felt like a matter of time until Westchester was going to break through in its Open Cup debut against FC Motown, and J.C. Obregon Jr. delivered from the spot for a first win in club history. |
5 | ![]() |
Union Omaha (0-1-0) Week 4: @ TRM |
![]() Last Week: 5 |
There wasn’t a lot of goalmouth action in Los Buhos’ victory at Flatirons FC on Friday night, but the visitors were clinical to advance in the Open Cup. Back to the league and a test in South Georgia next. |
6 | ![]() |
Spokane Velocity FC (0-1-1) Week 4: @ GVL |
![]() Last Week: 3 |
Velocity shouldn’t be too worried yet, but Saturday’s loss to Naples showed the difference when you create numerous presentable chances, and one or two really prime opportunities. Naples did the latter. |
7 | ![]() |
Charlotte Independence (1-0-0) Week 4: vs. CHA |
![]() Last Week: 7 |
We’re really pleased for Rafael Jauregui after his two-goal performance in the Open Cup. The 20-year-old always had promise in Sacramento, maybe Charlotte is where it all comes together. |
8 | ![]() |
Richmond Kickers (2-1-0) Week 4: vs. MAD |
![]() Last Week: 9 |
We’re still trying to get our heads around Emiliano Terzaghi missing two penalties already this season but scoring from the center circle against AV ALTA on Saturday. What a strike. |
9 | ![]() |
Forward Madison FC (0-1-0) Week 4: @ RIC |
![]() Last Week: 9 |
The Flamingos ended their clash with Duluth by running up the score late in the Open Cup. Hopefully that can carry some momentum into this week’s Henny Derby in Richmond. |
10 | ![]() |
South Georgia Tormenta FC (1-1-0) Week 4: vs. OMA |
![]() Last Week: 10 |
Tormenta have tightened up defensively over consecutive wins across all competitions. That’s a good sign ahead of Union Omaha’s visit on Saturday night. |
11 | ![]() |
Portland Hearts of Pine (0-0-0) Week 4: @ NAP |
![]() Last Week: 13 |
Yes, it came against amateur opposition, but Hearts of Pine looked excellent in their debut against CD Faialense. Now they get to challenge FC Naples’ undefeated start in their league debut. |
12 | ![]() |
AV ALTA FC (0-2-0) Week 4: --- |
![]() Last Week: 11 |
We liked what we saw out of AV ALTA in its midweek win against Ventura County, need to find that level of incision in the attacking half when it goes up against its League One rivals. |
13 | ![]() |
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (0-0-1) Week 4: @ CLT |
![]() Last Week: 12 |
It doesn’t get much more Open Cup than back-up goalkeeper Jason Smith coming on as an outfield player and scoring from the penalty spot to earn a hard-fought win. |
14 | ![]() |
Texoma FC (0-1-0) Week 4: vs. WSC |
![]() Last Week: 14 |
Fabulous crowd at Bearcat Stadium on Saturday night, and we’re fans of Texoma’s kit. The team’s still a little bit of a work-in-progress, though. |