HICKORY FC TAKES DOWN 865 ALLIANCE 4-1, SETS CLUB ATTENDANCE RECORD OF 5,042
Hickory, N.C.-- Life is good in Hickory, North Carolina — and getting better by the week.
Hickory FC is still unbeaten in conference play after defeating 865 Alliance 4-1 on Saturday night at Moretz Stadium. The victory keeps their spotless conference record intact and cements their spot as a legitimate national threat in the NPSL playoff picture.
And while the score may not have popped quite like last week’s 6-1 dismantling of the same 865 squad in Knoxville, the result was just as important—and just as convincing.
Still, the start was far from perfect.
Hickory looked a little out of sync in the opening half, managing just two shots on target in the first 45 minutes. Sloppy touches and missed connections kept them from finding their usual attacking rhythm.
Then came a nervy moment in the 22nd minute, when backup goalkeeper Daniel Miklosi—starting in place of the regular No. 1—misplayed a bouncing ball and inexplicably handled it just outside the box. The mistake gifted 865 a dangerous free kick from the edge of the area, but Hickory’s defense stood tall, smothering the attempt and clearing the threat.
From there, the group settled in.
The breakthrough came just before halftime, and it felt like a pressure valve releasing.
Off a corner that pinballed through the box, midfielder Robbie Deighan found himself in the right place at the right time—settling a deflection at his feet and calmly burying it in stoppage time. The goal sent Hickory into the break up 1-0, and from that point on, it never felt like the result was in doubt.
Goals in the 62nd and 71st minutes broke the match wide open, and before 865 Alliance could blink, they were staring at a 3-0 deficit on the scoreboard and a team in full command on the pitch.
865 did manage to pull one back in the 72nd, a brief flicker of life, but Hickory wasted little time slamming the door shut. In the 83rd minute, forward Thomas Pollacchi delivered the final dagger that sealed the 4-1 win and put a well-earned exclamation point on the night.
But as much as Saturday was about Hickory FC’s performance on the field, it was just as much about their fans in the stands.
Hickory FC set yet another attendance record at Moretz Stadium, drawing 5,042 fans on a balmy June night—an unmistakable signal that something special is happening in this corner of North Carolina.
From the opening whistle to the final horn, the energy was electric. Families, students, longtime locals—all pouring in and buying in. The Hickory FC experience is starting to feel bigger than just a match—it’s a true community gathering.
And if they can keep this streak alive heading into postseason play, there’s a real possibility Moretz Stadium becomes one of the most intimidating playoff venues in the country.
A few more home matches in front of this crowd? That could be the edge that turns a strong second season into a dream run.
Photo Credit: Jackson Shoe