SARASOTA, Fla. — On March 18, 2025, Sarasota Paradise square off against FC Naples in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This matchup, set to unfold at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, marks the inaugural clash between these two clubs, sparking the beginning of an electrifying Floridian Derby. With just a two-hour drive along I-75 separating the cities, the proximity promises a fierce rivalry—and there’s more to come. Following Sarasota Paradise’s recent announcement of their move to USL League One in 2026, FC Naples will not only be their closest geographical opponent but also a frequent foe in league play.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, launched in 1913 as the National Challenge Cup, is the United States’ oldest soccer competition and ranks among the world’s longest-running cup tournaments. Modeled after classics like England’s FA Cup, this single-elimination knockout event welcomes teams from every tier of American soccer—amateur clubs, semi-pro outfits, and MLS giants alike. It’s a stage where Cinderella stories are born, offering lower-division sides like Sarasota a shot at toppling higher-tier adversaries in a test of skill, heart, and grit.
Sarasota Paradise enter the fray as the reigning USL League Two Southeastern Division champions. Yet, they’ve been idle since a gut-wrenching defeat to Brave SC in the Round of 32 of last season’s USL League Two playoffs. With their 2025 summer roster still competing in college seasons, the Paradise will field a lineup of local stars, dubbed the “Hometown Heroes,” for their historic Open Cup debut. Meanwhile, FC Naples arrive as a USL League One outfit—third tier, one level above Sarasota—having played just two matches this season. With a record of one win, one draw, and three goals scored, Naples sit second in their league standings, posing a significant challenge for the underdog Paradise.
A win for Sarasota would send them into the Second Round to face another First Round victor, keeping their cup dreams alive. Fans can catch every moment of this Southwest Florida showdown live on YouTube at @USSoccer, while tickets are available at sarasotaparadise.us/opencup. As the Hometown Heroes take on FC Naples, this March 18 clash promises not just a battle for advancement, but the first chapter in what’s sure to be a storied rivalry come 2026.
