KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Players’ Shield winner One Knoxville SC claimed a tightly contested 1-0 victory over No. 4 seed FC Naples at Covenant Health Park in the Semifinals of the 2025 USL League One Playoffs presented by Terminix, earning the home side the right to host the Final in the club’s first appearance.  

One Knox came out flying in the first half, registering 10 shots and dominating with 66% possession as FC Naples looked to play on the counterattack. The home side created two great chances in first-half stoppage time as Babacar Diene’s attempted bicycle kick flew just wide of the post before a diving header from Tekiela struck the post heading into the break. 

FC Naples would grow into the match in the second half as Julian Cisneros cut inside from the left side and his shot was cleared off the line by Sivert Haugli in the 55th minute. Another chance for the visitors, this time created following a corner kick, required a clearance from Jordan Skelton as One Knox looked to earn its 13th clean sheet of the season and protect its unbeaten home record. 

After striking the woodwork in the first half, Tekiela would not be denied in the 66th minute as left back Stuart Ritchie crossed the ball to the penalty spot and the German playmaker struck it into the bottom right corner for his eighth goal of the campaign. FC Naples would press for an equalizer late but could not unlock the league’s best defense as the first-year expansion side bowed out of the playoffs. 

Takeaways 

One Knoxville SC: While the club’s stellar defense might win its first title, the opportunities created by Diene, Ritchie and Tekiela make this side a handful to keep from scoring. One Knox has scored in 29 games through the regular season and playoffs, more than any other side. 

FC Naples: The game plan to play on the counter and try to strike on set pieces almost worked out for the first-year side. The visitors registered eight shots, including three on target, but the defense of One Knox was too resolute to break through.  

Key Moment 

Two headed clearances from Knoxville’s defense early in the second half must have dented FC Naples’ belief of finding a breakthrough. Tekiela’s goal about 10 minutes later flipped the momentum back in favor of the home side. 

Key Stats 

One Knoxville's Stuart Ritchie was a threat all evening down the left-hand side. In addition to his two chances created from two completed crosses, he registered a shot on goal and completed 22 of his 29 passes. 

USLLeagueOne.com Player of the Match 

Kempes Tekiela, One Knoxville SC – The German pulled the strings for the home side all night, completing 40 of his 43 passes with two chances created. He was in the right spot to fire home his eighth goal of the season after registering two assists in the prior playoff match to lead One Knox to the Final. 

Scoring Summary 
KNX – Kempes Tekiela (Stuart Ritchie) 66’