ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Soccer Club was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup on penalties after battling USL League One side One Knoxville to a 1-1 draw through extra time.
One Knoxville took the lead in the 33rd minute when Braudilio Rodrigues finished a passing sequence with a low shot into the bottom right corner.
Asheville nearly responded earlier in the first half, with Ryan Flood cutting in from the left in the 21st minute and sending a right-footed shot just wide of the far post.
The visitors threatened again early in the second half when Denis Krioutchenkov broke through on goal, but Asheville goalkeeper Andrew Pannenberg got a touch on the ball before defender Ryan Holmes cleared it off the line to keep the deficit at one.
Momentum shifted moments later when One Knoxville’s Stavros Zarokostas was shown a red card following an altercation near the bench, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Asheville capitalized in the 67th minute after a handball in the box led to a penalty kick. Simon Carlson converted from the spot to level the match at 1.
One Knoxville was reduced to nine players in the 90th minute when Teddy Baker received a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge, but Asheville was unable to find a late winner in regulation.
The home side continued to press in extra time, generating several chances. Flood and Evan Southern each tested goalkeeper Jonathan Burke, who made multiple saves to keep the match level.
After neither team scored in extra time, the match was decided by penalty kicks. Both teams were held scoreless in the opening round of attempts, but One Knoxville converted three of its next kicks while Asheville managed two, sending the visitors into the third round.
Asheville City returns to Greenwood Field on May 16 for a doubleheader featuring both its men’s and women’s teams.