Here are five storylines to watch for Wednesday's Open Cup match as the Lions play Naples of USL League One:
Open Cup DNA
The Lions boast a storied history in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dating back to their USL years, when the 2013 side knocked off the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City on its way to the quarterfinals. Orlando City reached even greater heights in 2022, capturing the first trophy in the club’s MLS era with a memorable championship run. The Lions eliminated rivals Inter Miami, Nashville SC and Red Bull New York before defeating Sacramento Republic FC in the final to lift the U.S. Open Cup. The club also made a semifinal run in 2019, highlighted by the famous Running of the Wall quarterfinal against NYCFC, when supporters sprinted to the south end of Inter&Co Stadium to rally behind the team during penalties.
Life on the Road
Orlando City will head back on the road this week to face FC Naples in the Round of 32 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match marks the Lions’ fourth consecutive away game and their final road contest before returning to Inter&Co Stadium this Saturday. City most recently earned a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew on Sunday in central Ohio, with forward Marco Pašalić scoring the Lions’ lone goal off assists from Tiago and Iván Angulo.
Maxime Making Saves
While the Lions have struggled defensively early in the 2026 campaign, goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau has stood out in net. The Greenfield Park, Canada, native ranks second in MLS in saves per 90 minutes played at 5.21, trailing only Charlotte FC’s Kristijan Kahlina, who leads the league at 5.29 saves per 90. Crépeau is also tied for fifth in the league with fellow Canadian Dayne St. Clair with 27 saves.
The Captain Returns
The 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew marked the return from injury of defender and captain Robin Jansson. The Swedish center back is Orlando City’s most-capped and longest-serving player, with 239 appearances and more than 21,000 minutes across all competitions. Jansson started Sunday night and played 78 minutes, recording two clearances and helping Orlando avoid conceding a goal while he was on the field against the Crew.
Tallying Up
Forward Marco Pašalić scored the Lions’ lone goal in their most recent match against the Columbus Crew. The Croatian struck in the 14th minute and is now tied with fellow Designated Player Martín Ojeda for the team lead with two goals this season. U22 Initiative player Tiago recorded the assist, his first since joining Orlando City from Brazil this offseason, while forward Iván Angulo earned the secondary assist. Angulo now has 35 assists across all competitions, the third most in club history, including 30 in regular-season play.
Milestone Tracker:
-Duncan McGuire’s next goal will be his 32nd for Orlando City in all competitions, passing former captain Nani for fourth all-time
-Martín Ojeda is one start away from 100 in his Orlando City career in all competitions
-With an appearance, forward Harvey Sarajian would make his club debut
