Hickory FC Cruises to 4-2 Victory Against Bristol Rhythm AFC in Conference Home Opener
Hickory, NC-- Despite finishing the 2024 regular season with just two total wins in ten regular season matches, Bristol Rhythm gave Hickory FC all they could handle in last year’s lone matchup in Bristol, Tennessee. Bristol held their own for much of the match and looked poised to come away with a draw—until some last minute heroics from Tomas Polacchi secured the win for Hickory.
This time around, there was no upset brewing.
Hickory FC controlled the pace from start to finish in Friday night’s matchup at Moretz Stadium, putting together a dominant performance against Bristol Rhythm. After a quiet opening stretch, it was Antonio Pineda who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a deflection and volleying the ball into the back of the net, giving Hickory FC a 1-0 lead.
Just two minutes later, Bristol nearly responded.
Hickory keeper Jasper Rump came off his line aggressively and misplayed a deflection, leaving the goal wide open. But Bristol couldn’t take advantage, sending the shot wide and letting a prime scoring opportunity slip away.
Following a brief lull, Hickory made their mark again in the 30th minute. Adolfo Pino slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the defense, and Leo Souza did the rest—racing in on goal and putting it away to extend Hickory FC’s lead to 2–0.
Bristol Rhythm would breathe a bit of life into the match in the 41st minute, taking advantage of a sloppy turnover near midfield. The mistake opened the door for a quick push forward, leading to a clean finish that cut the deficit in half.
But the momentum didn’t last.
Just one minute later, Hickory responded with another clinical sequence, as Ronan O’Mahony found Daniel Almeida with a beautiful lead pass. Almeida took care of the rest, restoring the two-goal cushion before halftime.
The second half offered more of the same from Hickory FC—organized, aggressive, and in control. Their pressing game kept Bristol from finding any rhythm, while their back line snuffed out any real threats before they could develop.
In the 79th minute, Hickory added to their tally. Second year man Tomas Polacchi, making his season debut, made his return to the team in style by finishing off a well-worked sequence to make it 4–1.
Bristol pulled one back in the 88th minute after drawing a foul in the box and converting from the penalty spot. But by then, the outcome was all but sealed. Hickory FC walked off with a convincing 4–2 victory.
With the win, Hickory FC not only secured three points, but also continues to build a strong case as a serious contender for the Southeast Conference regular season crown. Their depth, defensive organization, and ability to capitalize in key moments makes them a force to be reckoned with and a team that no one in this league will want to see down the stretch.
Hickory FC’s next match will be at home against Asheville City SC this upcoming Tuesday night at 7 PM EST.
Photo credit: Jackson Shoe