ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Saturday afternoon at Greenwood Field, Asheville City SC hosted Tennessee for their final match of the USL League 2 season. After a hard fought match with multiple scoring opportunities for both sides, Asheville City SC kept the clean sheet and remained perfect on the season; Being crowned champions of the South Central Division after the final whistle.
The opening 45 minutes between Asheville City SC and Tennessee SC were marked by physicality, slick conditions, and a handful of promising chances. From the kick, both teams struggled to find their footing on the wet pitch, with possession changing frequently and no real goal-scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes.
The Blues almost found a breakthrough in the 17th minute, when heavy pressure from David Perez nearly forced a mistake from TSC goalkeeper Vincent Sanchis. However, Sanchis was able to shield the ball and collect it to the dismay of the Perez and the Asheville faithful.
The first real opportunity of the match for Tennessee SC came in the 20th minute, when Adrian Byasiima flicked a header to Aidan Pierpoint, who calmly controlled the ball with his chest before volleying the ball just left of AJ Bengds’ near post.
Asheville responded with a threatening attempt of their own in the 29th minute, when Izaiah Vignali unleashed a left-footed shot from about 23 yards out that went just over the Tennessee SC crossbar. Despite a stout Tennessee defence, Asheville continued to send attempts goalward, including a free kick from Michael Rempel in the 35th minute that was caught by Sanchis.
In the 37th minute, a wonderful sequence of play between Tony Kim and Joao Silva put Silva in behind the TSC backline, before crossing to the penalty spot for an on-running Jack Casey whose first time volley soared over the bar. The half ended scoreless with Asheville having the better chances between the two sides in the opening 45.
Tennessee earned a free kick and a corner within two minutes of the second half kickoff, but Asheville City commanded the game with authority from that point on. In the 49th minute, Perez struck a shot from the top of the box but it was easily handled by Sanchis.
The Blues made multiple substitutions during an injury break in the 64th minute which introduced attackers Edouard Nys and Simon Carlson to the game, who immediately asked questions of the Tennessee backline.
Nys wasted no time testing the substitute keeper, shooting from the top left portion of the penalty area right into the arms of Kump. Asheville then created a serious goal-scoring opportunity, when a well-driven ball from Huckaby sent Nys down the right flank. His low cross found Sergi Solans, whose first-time shot drew a brilliant save from Kump.
Just minutes later, TSC responded when George Chandler tested AJ Bengds with a low drive, but the Asheville keeper was sharp to get down to his right and hold the ball.
In the 83rd minute, Carlson nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful low shot that forced a fingertip save off the inside of the post by Kump. The combination of Carlson, Agustin Resch and Daniel Samways produced another golden chance in the 85th, but Carlson’s final effort zipped past the far post.
As the clock ticked toward stoppage time, Nys had one final chance in the 90th minute, but was once again denied at the near post by another brilliant save from Kump. Both teams traded late set pieces including a 99th minute Asheville free kick in the attacking third, but the final whistle confirmed a goalless draw.
Despite the result, the Men of Asheville City finished the season as South Central Division champions, and gathered around the fans after the final whistle to lift the trophy. It was another undefeated campaign from the Asheville City SC men, whose impressive campaign saw them finish 10-0-2 with a +40 goal differential.
Head Coach Scott Wells praised the team’s undefeated season after the game:
“I really just want it to be a celebration of the season. Again, another zero goals conceded. Obviously an unbeaten regular season just like last season. So the journey continues and the expectation and the standards continue, which I’m really, really proud of. We’re resilient and today is just a day to think about what we’ve done this season. Not many teams in the country can do what we’ve done, so very proud.”
Asheville City SC will travel to Dothan, Alabama next weekend to compete in the USL2 Regional Playoffs. Coach Scott emphasized the team’s goals heading into the postseason:
“I mean, I think we are obviously of the opinion that if you’re going to win a national championship, you’re going to have to do whatever it takes and there’ll be many hurdles along the way. We get to go on the road together, create some more memories, and we’re going to try and take the summer championship.”
AJ Bengds was awarded the Noble Player of the Match for his efforts on the night, which included keeping a clean sheet.