Today, the Yankees returned Rule 5 Draft Pick RHP Cade Winquest to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Anton Forsberg, Linus Ullmark and Dylan Larkin Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week
NEW YORK – Los Angeles Kings goaltender Anton Forsberg, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark and Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending April 12.
FIRST STAR – ANTON FORSBERG, G, LOS ANGELES KINGS
Forsberg went 3-0-0 with 0.97 goals-against average, .964 save percentage and one shutout to backstop the Kings (34-26-19, 87 points) to a perfect week as they vie for one of the two remaining playoff spots in the Western Conference. He made 29 saves, and denied all three shootout attempts, in a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators – another postseason hopeful – April 6. Forsberg then stopped 24 shots, including each of the last 20 he faced, in a 4-1 triumph against the Vancouver Canucks April 9. He finished the week with 27 saves for his 11th career shutout in a 1-0 win versus the Edmonton Oilers April 11. The 33-year-old Forsberg, playing his first season with Los Angeles, owns a 15-11-5 record through 34 total appearances to rank among the top 10 in the NHL (minimum: 25 GP) in save percentage (7th; .910), shutouts (t-9th; 3) and goals-against average (10th; 2.57).
SECOND STAR – LINUS ULLMARK, G, OTTAWA SENATORS
Ullmark also went 3-0-0, compiling a 1.00 goals-against average, .961 save percentage and one shutout to help the Senators (43-27-11, 97 points) clinch their second straight playoff berth. He stopped 28 shots, including 11 in both the first and third periods, in a 6-2 triumph over the Tampa Bay Lightning April 7. Ullmark then made 22 saves, falling 5:43 shy of a shutout, in a 5-1 win versus the Florida Panthers April 9. He capped the week with his 15th career shutout, turning aside 23 shots in a 3-0 victory against the New York Islanders April 11 to clinch Ottawa’s 18th all-time postseason appearance. The 32-year-old Ullmark has posted a 28-12-8 record through 49 total games this season (2.73 GAA, .891 SV%, 3 SO), sharing the League lead with 14 wins in 21 appearances since returning from a leave of absence Jan. 31 (2.41 GAA, .904 SV%, 2 SO).
THIRD STAR – DYLAN LARKIN, C, DETROIT RED WINGS
Larkin paced the NHL with 4-4—8 in three games to propel the Red Wings (41-30-9, 91 points) to a 1-1-1 week. He tallied 1-1—2 in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets April 7. Larkin then registered 3-1—4, including his third career hat trick and ninth game-winning goal of the season (tied for third in the League), in a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers April 9. He added two assists in a 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils April 11. The 29-year-old Larkin sits third on Detroit with 34-33—67 through 73 total contests this season; his 34 goals are a career high, one ahead of the 33 he scored in 2023-24 (68 GP).
Minnesota Lynx Select Olivia Miles with the Second Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx tonight selected Olivia Miles from Texas Christian University with the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The No. 2 pick marks only the third time in franchise history Minnesota has selected second in the draft (Monica Wright, 2010, and Diamond Miller, 2023).
Miles, a 5-10 guard, averaged a career-high 19.6 points, shooting 48.1% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range, starting all 38 games for TCU this season. The guard also posted 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game in her final season with the Horned Frogs, becoming one of the most versatile point guards in the NCAA. Miles made history against UC San Diego in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, recording her 12th career triple-double and becoming only the third player to record multiple triple-doubles in the women’s NCAA Tournament (Sabrina Ionescu, Nicole Powell). The guard also reached her 2,000th career point during the season, becoming just the ninth active player to reach the milestone and one of four players in NCAA history to tally at least 2,000 points, 800 rebounds and 800 assists in their career. This season, Miles also became the first NCAA player to average at least 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals per game in a season.
Prior to joining the Horned Frogs, Miles averaged 14.2 points, 6.5 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game in three seasons played at Notre Dame, leading the ACC in assists per game each season. As a senior in 2024-25, she joined Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark as the only players in NCAA history to average 15 points, five assists and five rebounds per game while shooting 40% from deep. Miles led the Fighting Irish to three Sweet Sixteen appearances.
A Phillipsburg, N.J., native, Miles has been nominated for multiple national player of the year accolades and is a three-time AP All-America Second Team selection and finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award as the nation’s best point guard (2023, 2025, and 2026). She was named Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year this season after leading the NCAA in triple-doubles (6).
On the national stage, Miles was selected as one of 12 collegians chosen to compete at the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup, leading the tournament in assists per game (7.1) and total assists (50). The guard averaged 6.9 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 52.8% from the floor in five starts, leading Team USA to a gold medal finish.
Minnesota Lynx Select Lani White with the 45th Overall Pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Lynx tonight selected Lani White from the University of Utah with the 45th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
White, a 6-0 guard, averaged a career-high 15.9 points on 46.2% shooting from the field and 40.4% from three, while also posting 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 32 games (all starts) for the Utes this season. She recorded 10 performances of 20+ points this season and set a career high of 26 points twice during the year, first against Northwestern on Dec. 14, shooting 7-of-7 from beyond the arc, and again against Arizona on Dec. 21, when she scored 20 points in the first half and finished with a career-high 11 made threes.
An Irvine, Calif. native, White spent her first two seasons at Utah before transferring to Virginia Tech, then returned to finish her career with the Utes. She earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors during the 2025–26 season and holds career averages of 8.1 points on 44.3% shooting from the field and 39.5% from deep, along with 3.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
Kudzmanas Wins 2026 WSOP Europe Main Event, Takes €2 Million Prize
ROZVADOV, Czech Republic – Marius Kudzmanas captured the biggest title of his career Wednesday, winning the 2026 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event and earning €2 million along with the tournament’s signature gold bracelet.
Kudzmanas, already a two‑time WSOP Online bracelet winner, broke through for his first live championship after navigating a record‑setting field. Known for his controlled but aggressive style, particularly when playing from ahead, the Lithuanian pro dominated stretches of the final table to secure the most prestigious title in European poker.
The victory cements Kudzmanas as one of the few players to win both online and live WSOP championships.
This year’s WSOP Europe festival set multiple records, drawing players from more than 80 countries for 15 bracelet events and more than €39.5 million in total prize money. Across all tournaments, 15,779 entries were recorded — the largest turnout in the series’ European history.
The €5,300 Main Event became the biggest open tournament ever held on the continent, generating a €13,085,000 prize pool from 2,617 entries.
Another milestone came in the inaugural €1,000 Ladies Championship, where Switzerland’s Anna Eggenberger won her first bracelet by topping a 197‑player field — the largest women’s event ever held outside Las Vegas.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the phenomenal success of this year’s WSOP Europe, which has set new parameters for poker on the continent,” WSOP CEO Ty Stewart said. “The enthusiasm and incredible turnout, particularly for the record‑breaking Main Event, have been unprecedented. Congratulations to Marius Kudzmanas for etching his name into the history books as our newest champion.”
WSOP Chief Operating Officer Gregory Chochon called the 2026 edition the strongest yet.
“This edition of WSOP Europe was the best yet, and we’d like to sincerely thank all of the players, dealers, staff, partners, and media that came together to make the festival so special,” Chochon said. “A core WSOP goal is to continually refine and improve our events — with that in mind, we can’t wait for the action to kick off next month in Las Vegas.”
Next Up: Summer WSOP in Las Vegas
With the European series concluded, the focus now shifts to the flagship summer WSOP in Las Vegas, running May 26 through July 15. The schedule again features dozens of bracelet events, culminating in the $10,000 No‑Limit Hold’em Main Event.
International players can qualify through GGPoker’s WSOP Express satellites, while U.S. players can earn seats via wsoponline.com. Registration for all events is available through the WSOP Live app.
Fans can follow the action on ESPN’s daily broadcasts and the WSOP YouTube channel. Additional announcements for the summer series are expected in the coming weeks.
US Open Cup Match Preview: Atlanta United FC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
U.S. Open Cup Round of 32
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
Venue, date, and kickoff
Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Surface: Artificial turf
Capacity: ~71,000 (soccer configuration typically smaller)
Competition: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Round of 32
Weather outlook (Atlanta, mid‑April – inferred)
No official matchday forecast is available yet, but based on typical mid‑April conditions in Atlanta:
Temperature: Around 70–75°F at kickoff
Conditions: Mild, possibly humid, low chance of significant wind
Impact:
Comfortable conditions for high‑tempo play
Minimal weather disruption, especially with a roofed stadium that can be closed if needed
Injury report
There is no confirmed, public injury report for this specific match yet. For wagering or tactical purposes, assume:
Atlanta United FC:
Status: Expect a mix of regular MLS starters and rotation players.
Key note: Final availability will depend on league schedule congestion and any knocks from the prior weekend.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC:
Status: Lower‑division sides typically field their strongest available XI in the Cup.
Key note: Any absences will matter more due to thinner depth; monitor club communications close to matchday.
For serious betting or modeling, you’d update this section 24–48 hours before kickoff with confirmed lineups and injury news.
Team records and recent form (structural view)
Atlanta United FC (MLS – Division I)
Level: Top‑flight MLS club, with superior depth, budget, and talent.
Cup profile:
Historically competitive in knockout play; capable of deep runs.
Often use early rounds for controlled rotation, but still with high‑quality lineups.
Recent form (conceptual):
Expect mid‑season MLS rhythm: pressing, possession, and chance creation.
Home form at Mercedes‑Benz is typically strong, both in league and Cup.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One – Division III)
Level: Third‑tier professional club.
Cup profile:
Lower‑division underdog, motivated by exposure and the chance at a “Cupset.”
Typically more conservative tactically against MLS opposition.
Recent form (conceptual):
Early‑season USL1 form: still settling, but Cup matches often bring peak intensity.
Likely entering this round off at least one prior Cup win vs. non‑MLS opposition.
Series history
Competitive meetings:
No notable prior U.S. Open Cup meetings between Atlanta United FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.
Regional familiarity:
Geographic proximity and occasional preseason or friendly‑style encounters are plausible, but not central to this Cup tie.
Tactical and player matchups
1. Atlanta’s front line vs. Chattanooga’s back four
Atlanta:
Profile: High‑tempo, attacking wide players, a creative No. 10, and overlapping fullbacks.
Edge: Pace, 1v1 ability, and combination play in the final third.
Chattanooga:
Profile: Compact defensive block, deeper line, emphasis on clearances and second‑ball wins.
Key question: Can they prevent Atlanta from isolating their fullbacks and center‑backs in space?
2. Midfield control and pressing
Atlanta:
Approach:
Look to dominate possession.
Use a high press to trap Chattanooga in their own half.
Advantage: Technical quality and passing range.
Chattanooga:
Approach:
Stay compact centrally, force Atlanta wide.
Look for quick counters after turnovers.
Key factor: Can their double pivot handle Atlanta’s press and still connect to the forwards?
3. Transition and set pieces
Chattanooga’s best path:
Transitions: Quick counters into the channels behind Atlanta’s advanced fullbacks.
Set pieces: Long throws, corners, and free kicks as high‑leverage moments.
Atlanta’s risk:
Overcommitting numbers forward and leaving space for counters.
Complacency in defensive rest positions.
Betting trends (structural, not historical stats)
Atlanta United FC
Home Cup profile:
MLS clubs at home vs. USL1 sides advance at a very high rate.
Atlanta’s attacking style tends to generate volume: shots, corners, and xG.
Risk factors:
Rotation and motivation: if heavily rotated, early sloppiness is possible.
Game state: an early goal can either open the floodgates or lead to controlled, low‑tempo game management.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Cup underdog profile:
Lower‑division sides often keep it tight for 45–60 minutes.
Upset path usually involves:
0–0 or 0–1 game state deep into the second half.
A set‑piece goal or counterattack.
Risk factors:
Fatigue from defending for long stretches.
Limited depth if chasing the game late.
US Open Cup Match Preview: Pittsburgh Hounds SC vs. New York Red Bulls
U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. New York Red Bulls
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
Sports Illustrated Stadium — Harrison, New Jersey
Paramount+ & Red Bulls Radio
Venue — Sports Illustrated Stadium
Location: Harrison, NJ
Formerly: Red Bull Arena
Home of: New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Open Cup Record at Venue: 10‑0‑4 all‑time in U.S. Open Cup matches at this stadium — undefeated at home in the competition.
This is one of the most difficult Open Cup venues for visiting teams.
Weather Outlook (Inference Only)
No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April conditions in northern New Jersey:
Temperature: Low‑50s (F) at kickoff
Conditions: Cool, partly cloudy
Impact: Ideal for high‑tempo pressing; minimal weather disruption expected
(This section is inference due to lack of sourced weather data.)
Team Records & Tournament Context
New York Red Bulls (MLS – Division I)
Entering the U.S. Open Cup for the 27th time.
All‑time Open Cup record: 32‑24‑5.
Hosting Pittsburgh at Sports Illustrated Stadium on April 15 at 7:30 PM ET.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship – Division II)
Advanced after a 2–0 win over Virginia Dream FC in the Second Round.
One of only three clubs to reach the Round of 32 in four consecutive years (2023–2026).
Record vs. MLS opposition: 4‑8 all‑time, but 3‑2 in their last five, including a Round of 32 win over NYCFC last season.
Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Entering with momentum from a 2–0 Open Cup win.
Historically strong recent form vs. MLS sides (3‑2 in last five).
New York Red Bulls
Entering fresh as an MLS entrant.
Undefeated in Open Cup matches at home since the stadium opened (10‑0‑4).
Injury Report
No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)
Player Matchups to Watch
(Inference-based using sourced team context.)
1. Hounds’ Counterattack vs. Red Bulls’ High Press
Pittsburgh thrives in transition and has upset MLS teams recently.
Red Bulls’ signature pressing style will test Pittsburgh’s buildup.
2. Midfield Battle: Physicality vs. Tempo
Pittsburgh’s USL Championship midfield is known for work rate and structure.
Red Bulls’ MLS‑level pace and verticality could dictate rhythm.
3. Goalkeeper Pressure Moments
Pittsburgh’s ability to absorb pressure will hinge on shot‑stopping and command of the box.
Red Bulls’ home dominance suggests high‑volume attacking phases.
Series History
First-ever U.S. Open Cup meeting between the clubs.
Pittsburgh previously faced New York Red Bulls II (2015–2021) as USL Championship rivals.
Betting Trends (Competition-Based)
New York Red Bulls Trends
Undefeated at home in Open Cup play since 2010 (10‑0‑4).
Deep Open Cup history with 27 tournament appearances.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Trends
3‑2 in their last five matches vs. MLS opponents.
Reached Round of 32 four straight years.
US Open Cup Match Preview: One Knoxville SC vs. D. C. United
U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
One Knoxville SC vs. D.C. United
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
Audi Field — Washington, D.C.
Paramount+
D.C. United is confirmed as the home side for this Round of 32 matchup.
Venue — Audi Field
Location: Washington, D.C.
Home of: D.C. United (MLS)
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET on April 15, 2026
Atmosphere: Modern MLS stadium with strong supporter culture; historically a difficult venue for lower‑division visitors.
Weather Outlook (Inference Only)
No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April Washington, D.C. conditions:
Temperature: Mid‑50s to low‑60s (F)
Conditions: Mild, partly cloudy
Impact: Ideal for high‑tempo play; minimal weather disruption expected
(This section is inference due to lack of sourced weather data.)
Team Records & Tournament Context
D.C. United (MLS – Division I)
Hosting One Knoxville SC at Audi Field in the Round of 32.
Three‑time U.S. Open Cup Champions: 1996, 2008, 2013.
2025 Open Cup performance:
Defeated Charleston Battery 2–0 in Round of 32
Advanced to Quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Charlotte FC, where GK Jordan Farr made four penalty saves, a tournament record.
Entering 2026 as one of the 16 MLS clubs joining in this round.
One Knoxville SC (USL League One – Division III)
Reached the Round of 32 for the first time in club history.
Advanced after defeating Asheville City SC in a 3–2 penalty shootout, with GK Jonathan Burke delivering an 11‑save performance plus three penalty saves.
Defending USL League One champions and Players Shield winners.
One of six USL League One teams in the Round of 32.
Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)
D.C. United
Entering fresh, as MLS clubs begin their Open Cup journey in this round.
Strong 2025 Cup run, reaching the Quarterfinals.
One Knoxville SC
Entering with momentum from a dramatic penalty shootout win.
GK Jonathan Burke in exceptional form after an 11‑save performance.
(No league‑form details were provided in sources.)
Injury Report
No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)
Key Player Matchups
(Inference-based, using sourced player context where available.)
1. Jonathan Burke (One Knox) vs. D.C. United Attack
Burke’s 11‑save, three‑PK‑save performance makes him the key figure for One Knox.
D.C. United’s MLS‑level attackers will test him early and often.
2. D.C. United Midfield vs. One Knox Defensive Structure
D.C. United’s possession and tempo control historically overwhelm lower‑division sides.
One Knox must stay compact and rely on counterattacks.
3. Set Pieces & Transition Moments
One Knox’s best chance lies in quick transitions and set‑piece opportunities.
D.C. United’s experience in knockout matches gives them an edge in managing game states.
Series History
This is the first-ever meeting between D.C. United and One Knoxville SC.
(No prior matchups were referenced in sources.)
Betting Trends (Competition-Based)
D.C. United Trends
Three‑time Open Cup champions.
Strong 2025 Cup performance, including a historic GK shootout performance.
MLS teams overwhelmingly advance at home vs. lower‑division opponents.
One Knoxville SC Trends
Riding momentum from a dramatic shootout win.
GK Jonathan Burke in elite form.
Defending USL League One champions.
US Open Cup Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC vs. Richmond Kickers
U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
Columbus Crew SC vs. Richmond Kickers
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET
City Stadium — Richmond, Virginia
Paramount+
Venue — City Stadium
Location: 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
Home of: Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
Atmosphere: One of the oldest continuously used soccer venues in the U.S., known for intimate, high‑energy crowds.
Surface: Natural grass (inference based on stadium history; not provided in sources)
Weather Outlook (Inference Only)
No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April Richmond conditions:
Temperature: Mid‑60s (F) at kickoff
Conditions: Mild, partly cloudy
Impact: Ideal for high‑tempo play; minimal weather disruption expected
(This section is inference due to lack of sourced weather data.)
Team Records & Tournament Context
Columbus Crew SC (MLS – Division I)
Begin their 2026 Open Cup campaign away at Richmond.
All‑time U.S. Open Cup record: 22–13–14, dating back to 1998.
Champions in 2002, defeating LA Galaxy 1–0.
If they advance, they will face the winner of D.C. United vs. One Knoxville SC in the Round of 16.
Richmond Kickers (USL League One – Division III)
Hosting the Round of 32 match at City Stadium.
One of the oldest continuously operating clubs in U.S. soccer.
Enter as a lower‑division underdog with strong home support.
(No 2026 Open Cup match results for Richmond were provided in sources.)
Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)
Columbus Crew SC
Entering fresh, as MLS clubs begin their Open Cup journey in this round.
Crew 2 (reserve side) reached the Third Round in 2025, winning 4–1 and 3–0 in earlier rounds.
The senior team did not participate in 2024 or 2025 due to tournament format changes.
Richmond Kickers
Entering with competitive rhythm from USL League One play (inference; no match results provided).
Historically strong at home in knockout environments.
Injury Report
No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)
Key Player Matchups (Inference-Based)
1. Columbus Crew Attack vs. Richmond Defensive Block
Columbus brings MLS‑level pace, creativity, and depth.
Richmond likely to defend compactly and counter.
2. Midfield Control: MLS Quality vs. USL League One Structure
Crew’s possession‑oriented style typically dominates lower‑division opponents.
Richmond’s midfield must disrupt rhythm and win second balls.
3. Transition Play
Richmond’s best chance lies in quick counters and set pieces.
Columbus must manage defensive transitions carefully in an away environment.
Series History
No historical matchups were provided in the sources.
(Likely first competitive meeting, but not confirmed by sources.)
Betting Trends (Competition-Based)
Columbus Crew SC Trends
Strong historical Open Cup pedigree (22–13–14 record).
2002 champions; consistent knockout competitiveness.
MLS teams overwhelmingly advance vs. USL League One opponents.
Richmond Kickers Trends
Lower‑division home teams often start fast with crowd momentum.
Historically capable of Cup upsets (inference based on club longevity).
US Open Cup Match Preview: Orlando City SC vs. FC Naples
U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
Orlando City SC vs. FC Naples
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET
Paradise Coast Sports Complex — Naples, Florida
CBS Sports Network & Paramount+
Venue — Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Location: Naples, FL
Host: FC Naples (USL League One)
Atmosphere: Expected to be one of the biggest nights in FC Naples’ young club history, with strong local support emphasized by club leadership.
(Capacity not provided in sources; not inferred.)
Weather Outlook (Inference Only)
No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April conditions in Naples, Florida:
Temperature: Mid‑70s to low‑80s (F)
Conditions: Warm, humid, light coastal breeze
Impact:
Favors high‑tempo play
Humidity may affect late‑match stamina
(This section is inference due to lack of sourced weather data.)
Team Records & Tournament Context
Orlando City SC (MLS – Division I)
Entering the Round of 32 as one of 16 MLS clubs.
2022 U.S. Open Cup Champions, the club’s first MLS‑era trophy.
All‑time Open Cup record: 19–11–5 dating back to 2011 (USL era).
Not hosting Round of 16 priority; if they advance, they travel to the winner of Rhode Island FC vs. New England Revolution.
FC Naples (USL League One – Division III)
One of the strongest early‑round performers in the 2026 tournament.
Current USL League One record: 2–1–1, sitting 1st place through four matches.
Reached Round of 32 after:
3–0 win vs. Red Forge FC (NPSL)
3–0 win vs. FC America CFL Spurs (UPSL)
Known for high work rate and tactical discipline, emphasized by head coach Matt “Gaffa” Poland and captain Edward “Lalo” Delgado.
Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)
Orlando City SC
Entering fresh, as MLS teams begin their Open Cup journey in this round.
Strong historical pedigree, including a championship run in 2022.
FC Naples
Entering with two straight 3–0 wins in the tournament.
No goals conceded in the 2026 Open Cup.
Strong early‑season league form (1st place).
Injury Report
No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)
Key Player Matchups (Inference-Based)
1. Orlando City Attack vs. Naples’ Defensive Shape
Orlando brings MLS‑level pace and technical quality.
Naples has yet to concede in the tournament and is anchored by captain/goalkeeper Lalo Delgado, who emphasized the team’s work ethic.
2. Midfield Control: MLS Experience vs. USL1 Identity
Orlando’s midfield typically dominates possession in cross‑division matchups.
Naples’ coach stresses maintaining identity and tactical discipline — a hallmark of their early‑round success.
3. Transition Play
Naples scored six goals in two matches, showing efficiency in transition.
Orlando’s defensive structure will need to manage quick counters.
Series History
First‑ever meeting between Orlando City SC and FC Naples.
(No historical matchups provided in sources.)
Betting Trends (Competition-Based)
Orlando City SC Trends
One of the most experienced Open Cup programs in MLS.
2022 champions; strong historical record (19–11–5).
FC Naples Trends
Two dominant 3–0 wins entering the Round of 32.
Strong home support and momentum emphasized by players and staff.
