The NPSL Briefing: South Region Final

Hickory FC faces Lubbock Matadors

Welcome to the South Region Final Edition of The NPSL Briefing! Below is our preview of the big game.

South Region Championship:

Hickory FC vs Lubbock Matadors

Credit Hickory FC

Saturday, July 19 at 7:00pm EST

Moretz Stadium (Hickory, NC; Capacity 7200)

This match is the Region championship, but also the NPSL Elite 8. The winner moves on to the national semifinals to be held on Saturday, July 26. Hickory and Lubbock are two relatively new clubs, but have already made a mark. The Matadors come into the match off of two road playoff wins in a row, beating Jacksonville Armada last week 1-0. Lubbock is part of the Hitchcock portfolio of clubs, and they'll be looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Hitchcock club Columbus United who dispatched Hickory last year on their way to the semifinals.

Hickory are the back to back champions for the Southeast Conference, and are looking to break through to get their shot at the National Championship. They're undefeated this season, riding on a very strong defense, while also scoring three goals per game. Lubbock's performance this season has been more uneven, but their offense has been explosive at times. Look for a big crowd to cheer on Hickory and push them over the line to their first appearance in the national semifinals.

Hickory FC's Carlos Rubio named National Coach of the Year

Image credit: Hickory Daily Record

Hickory FC head coach Carlos Rubio has been honored as the NPSL national coach of the year, just ahead of his team's playoff game against Lubbock. Rubio is also the head soccer coach at Lenoir-Rhymes, an NCAA Divsion II school, where Hickory FC plays their home games.

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