#1 and #2 Faceoff as Appalachian FC Takes on Hickory FC
The stage is set for two of the best teams in the Southeast Conference to battle it out in Boone tomorrow night. Hickory FC is set to take a short trip north in hopes of taking top spot away from Appalachian FC.
Coming into the match, the table can tell a lot about how these teams match up. Appalachian FC has the edge in total games played at three to two. Both teams are undefeated so a win for Appalachian increases their lead while a win for Hickory would put them even with Appalachian on nine points. Once again Appalachian has another edge, goal difference. A plus six goal difference sees Appalachian beat out Hickory who have a plus four goal difference. Both teams have allowed two goals this season while Appalachian’s offense has been on fire as they have put eight past opposing keepers. However, Hickory also brings a high powered offense of their own, scoring six goals in their two games played this season. Everything is set up for these two heavyweights to have a great battle.
I think the lineup will be the same as Coach Parker put out against 865 Alliance. I think the three players that can make a difference are Charlie Walker, Jaron Oughterson and Luke Frost. If Charlie Walker continues his great form, it will be tough for Hickory to break through. Jaron has been on fire this season and definitely poses a threat to score whenever he has the ball. Luke Frost beat the keeper in his last match and adds another threat on offense.
For my game prediction, I think Appalachian ends the night with three points and a shutout in front of the Squatch Army. Charlie and the defense prevent Hickory from finding the back of the net all night and Jaron gives Appalachian the lead early with a goal in the 11th minute. Both teams will battle for the rest of the first half and go into the break with the home side up 1-0. Jaron and the boys from Boone come out of the half hot as he adds his second goal of the night in the 58th minute and it proves too much for Hickory to overcome. When the final whistle blows, #1 has taken down #2.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm at the Ted Mack Soccer Complex. Follow along with the Appalachian FC Facebook page for info about the game and the livestream.