Published on May 12, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Spokane Velocity FC News Release
Spokane, WA – Spokane Velocity FC earned a crucial 2-1 home victory over FC Naples on Sunday night at ONE Spokane Stadium, moving into a tie for first place in the league table.
Velocity FC head coach Leigh Veidman reflected on the physical nature of the match and the importance of the squad’s depth in securing the win.
“We were not on our best defensive game today and also we were not that great on the ball to be honest, which resulted in us being a little bit more defensive than we wanted to,” Veidman said. “But having the ability to bring guys into the game who have got the ability to step in and defend… Everyone helps in these moments.”
Velocity FC generated pressure early, beginning with a corner kick in the fourth minute that narrowly missed connecting with defender Cameron Miller inside the box. Midfielder Luis Gil followed with an opportunity in the sixth minute, getting on the end of a long cross but sending the attempt over the crossbar.
Spokane broke through in the eighth minute when forward Medgy Alexandre faked out a defender and buried a strike into the back-right corner of the net to give Velocity FC a 1-0 lead.
Alexandre spoke on the importance of scoring early against a top opponent.
“I think it sets up momentum a little bit, helps us go into the rest of the game with more confidence,” Alexandre said. “We’ve been working hard during the week because we knew we were going to be playing a really great team.”
The home side continued creating chances immediately after the opener. Andre Lewis sent a shot just wide of the post in the ninth minute before Anuar Peláez followed with a long-range attempt that sailed just over the crossbar.
FC Naples controlled possession throughout much of the opening half, holding 63 percent possession before halftime, but Spokane consistently generated the more dangerous attacking opportunities. Velocity FC finished the first half with 10 shot attempts while limiting Naples to few clear scoring chances.
Naples nearly created a breakthrough opportunity in the 40th minute, but goalkeeper Sean Lewis corralled a deflected ball inside the box to preserve Spokane’s advantage heading into halftime. Sunday’s match marked Lewis’ first start of the season for Velocity FC.
Spokane continued to apply pressure early in the second half with consecutive corner kicks in the 48th and 50th minutes, forcing Naples goalkeeper Edward…