FC Naples had shown its mettle throughout its inaugural season.

The current League One leader had gone undefeated in its first nine games across all competitions and taken the Championship’s Tampa Bay Rowdies to a penalty shootout before succumbing in the U.S. Open Cup.

Taking on a Charleston Battery side that had won four in a row across all competitions and was firing in attack coming in was easily the biggest test the side had faced so far this season. Before a crowd of 4,172 – another near-capacity turnout at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex – the hosts came through with a performance that met the mark.

• STEP LIVELY: Naples had only 26.4 percent of possession in the contest, but throughout the first half it looked a beat sharper than its visitors. Karsen Henderlong’s finish in the 18th minute was a perfect example. Jayden Onen’s one-two at the halfway line with Luka Prpa sent him into acres of space, allowing Onen to set up a close-range finish for Henderlong.

• SLICING THROUGH: The hosts outshot the Battery 7-2 in the first half and would have added to their lead if not for Charleton goalkeeper Luis Zamudio, who made an outstanding save in stoppage time to keep out Andrés Ferrín after Henderlong forced a turnover near the halfway line.

• FINE LINE: Had that chance gone in, it would have made for a more comfortable second half for Naples Head Coach Matt Poland, but Naples’ defense was able to withstand the Battery’s attack as Jake Dengler and Brecc Evans starred in the center of defense. A curling shot by Arturo Rodriguez rang the post for the visitors deep in stoppage time, but it would have been harsh on Naples to surrender an equalizer on another big night in the club’s young history.

“The team was just fighting for each other,” said Poland. “Everyone [stepped up] in different moments. I wouldn’t say there was one guy that was the only difference-maker. It was ultimately different guys stepping up at different moments to be the difference maker. It was, in my opinion, one of those complete team wins.”

Naples has built its success off a combination of defensive strength – the side has conceded only three times in seven games, recording four shutouts in league play – and the finishing of Henderlong, who now has seven goals in all competitions this season.

In the short format of the USL Jägermeister Cup – where Naples was joined by fellow League One side South Georgia Tormenta FC in earning a regulation win in Group 6 during Saturday’s action – the side made the ideal start against what on paper will be the toughest opponent it will face in its four games to try and advance to the knockout stage.

For a side that’s already made a big impression on the Naples’ community, it’s an opportunity to burnish its early impression that this is a club set for long-term success.

“I think we're building something special,” said Prpa, noting another strong presence in the stands. “Even in preseason, when we weren't playing games with fans, whenever we’d go out to the community, they would show up, say hello, and express their support. They’ve been amazing for us, helping us get over the line every game.”