ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After a historic run in the 2026 U.S. Open Cup, Asheville City Soccer Club heads into the new season with momentum and ambition.

The Blues made headlines by advancing to the second round of the nation’s oldest soccer tournament, knocking off USL League One side Greenville Triumph SC 3-1 before falling to One Knoxville SC in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. While the run ended short of the third round, Asheville City SC earned the John Motta Trophy, recognizing them as the top amateur team in the tournament, a milestone achievement not seen from a USL2/PDL club since 2018.

“Earning the John Motta Trophy is a statement of intent for the club,” Chief Brand Officer Tim Blekicki said in a statement. “We know what we’ve been building and what we’re capable of — and now everyone else knows, too.”

Former Coach Scott Wells, who is stepping into the role of sporting director, guided the team through steady progress in league play and the Open Cup since 2022.

“There’s something special about this club,” Wells said. “When a player puts on the jersey, they run through a brick wall. We’ve shown we can hang with USL1 competition, and that’s the standard we aim for every season.”

The 2026 season kicks off at Greenwood Field with a doubleheader on May 16, featuring the men’s team hosting Hickory FC at 3:30 p.m. and the women taking on Southern Soccer Academy at 6:30 p.m. Fans can expect an energized squad carrying the confidence of last year’s Open Cup success into a full slate of league and cup matches.

Beyond the field, Asheville City SC continues to expand its impact in the community. The club recently announced a partnership with Babies Need Bottoms aimed at supporting families across Western North Carolina. As part of the initiative, the team has set a goal of collecting 40,828 diapers for local infants in need.

The first donation drive will take place during the club’s second-round U.S. Open Cup match against One Knoxville SC. Fans who donate at least 25 diapers will receive a match-day voucher for 15 percent off Asheville City SC merchandise.

The effort adds to the club’s ongoing community work, including its partnership with Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association, which connects thousands of local youth players with the first team.

With a trophy in hand and a city behind them, the Blues enter 2026 with a clear mission: compete at the highest level, inspire the next generation, and continue building a culture of belonging, pride and service.

Women’s home schedule

6:30 p.m. May 16 vs. Swarm
3:30 p.m. May 23 vs. One Knoxville
3:30 p.m. June 13 vs. Swarm
7 p.m. June 20 vs. Chattanooga
6:30 p.m. June 28 vs. Birmingham

Men’s home schedule

3:30 p.m.May 16 vs. Hickory
7 p.m. May 23 vs. Charlotte Independence
6:30 p.m. May 30 vs. Port City
6:30 p.m. June 7 vs. Wake
7 p.m. June 13 vs. Appalachian
7 p.m. June 26 vs. Charlotte Eagles
6:30 p.m. July 1 vs. SC United Bantams

Single-game tickets and season tickets are available here.