ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Soccer Club hosts One Knoxville SC tonight in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. at Greenwood Field on the campus of UNC Asheville.
The match marks a quick turnaround for Asheville City, which is coming off a 3-1 upset victory over Greenville Triumph SC in the opening round — the first Open Cup win in club history. The Blues sealed that victory in dramatic fashion — capitalizing on a defensive mistake and scoring in the 90th minute for a 3-1 victory.
Tonight’s matchup renews the “Smoky Mountain Series,” a regional rivalry that began in 2022 with an Asheville City win in Knoxville. The most recent meeting came during the 2024 Open Cup, when One Knoxville earned a 2-0 victory at Greenwood Field.
One Knoxville enters as the reigning USL League One champion, presenting a significant challenge for Asheville City as it looks to continue its tournament run.
The winner of tonight’s match will advance to the Round of 32, where teams from Major League Soccer enter the competition.
The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network. Gates open at 6 p.m., and parking is available in non-residential lots across campus after 5 p.m., with spaces closest to Greenwood Field located near Kimmel Arena.