The NPSL Briefing Week 2: Are the Bristol Rhythm for Real?
The New Orleans Jesters and Global Soccer Pathways also begin their seasons.
Welcome to week 2 of The NPSL Briefing! Below are our Games of the Week in the Gulf Coast Sunshine and Southeast Conferences, along with last week’s results and a preview into every game this weekend.
Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference:
Game of the Week: New Orleans Jesters vs. PSC Florida
Saturday, May 17 at 7:00pm EST
Pan-American Stadium (New Orleans, LA; Capacity 5000)
The New Orleans Jesters will open their season at home against PSC Florida, the team that's nearest to them geographically. This is a match-up between one of the oldest teams in the conference against the newest. The Jesters were founded in 2003 as part of the USL Premier Development League, and began competing in the NPSL in 2013. PSC Florida is in their first season and has one match under their belt after facing Jacksonville Armada U23 last week (1-4 loss). The Jesters have a core of players back from last year's squad and are looking to get the season started with a win.
Last Week’s Results:
Jacksonville Armada U23 4-1 PSC Florida
Club de Lyon 1-0 FC Florida
This Week:
FC Florida vs Global Soccer Pathways (Saturday, May 17 at 5:00pm EST): This will be the first game of the season for Pathways after last week's match had to be postponed. FC Florida played a tight match against CdL and should be the stronger side here.
Jacksonville Armada U23 vs Club de Lyon (Saturday, May 17 at 7:00pm EST): This should be an entertaining match-up, after both teams got three points last week. CdL will have their hands full trying to shut down the potent Armada attack.
Standings:
Jacksonville Armada: 3 Points (+3 GD, 1 GP)
Club de Lyon: 3 Points (+1 GD, 1 GP)
Global Soccer Pathways (0 GP)
Miami Dutch Lions FC (0 GP)
Naples United FC (0 GP)
New Orleans Jesters (0 GP)
FC Florida (-1 GD, 1 GP)
PSC Florida (-3 GD, 1 GP)
Southeast Conference:
Game of the Week: Hickory FC vs. Bristol Rhythm AFC
Friday, May 16 at 7:00pm EST
Moretz Stadium (Hickory, NC; Capacity 7,200)
Both Hickory and Bristol are coming off big statement wins last week to open up their respective seasons. Hickory went away to rivals Charlottetowne Hops and achieved a 2-0 victory, as two first half goals from Ronan O’Mahony and Alvaro Sanchez were enough to see the match through. Meanwhile, Bristol looked like a new team compared to last year with a 3-1 drubbing of 865 Alliance. Goal scorers Calum Hudson, Alex Panner, and Felix Billard are all new signings for the club, and the club’s writer Parker Cox noted that the team had more size and was more athletic than in 2024. Head Coach Louis Sharp stated, “The quality (in the squad) has really stepped up. I think we have a product to sell now, people have seen what we offer both on and off the field… and we have a clearer idea of how we want the boys to play.” Based on this info, this feel of a new team in Bristol might have some truth to it.
This is Hickory FC’s first NPSL home match of the season. In their 6-1 friendly win over Mint Hill FC on May 3, the club drew 2,561 fans. Their record attendance, set during last year’s season finale match, is 3,550. After a great away showing in Charlotte last week, this game will be a great showcases of one of the best fanbases in the NPSL. And, Bristol may bring along a solid away crowd after ~500 attendance at their last home match.
Last Week’s Results:
Appalachian FC 4-1 Port City FC
Bristol Rhythm 3-1 865 Alliance
Burlington United 0-0 Greenville United
Charlottetowne Hops 0-2 Hickory FC
Greenville United 0-2 Appalachian FC (Midweek)
This Week:
Burlington United vs. Port City FC (Friday, May 16 at 7:00pm EST): Burlington United had a very impressive showing from fans in their inaugural match last week, a match that finished 0-0 against Greenville. Their performance on the field was impressive, as well, but they couldn’t take chances in the final third. This game against Port City will be a big indicator on how their talent lines up with others in the league. The away visitors, last in the conference in 2024, are looking to rebound from a 1-4 loss to Appalachian FC.
Greenville United vs. Charlottetowne Hops (Saturday, May 17 at 6:00pm EST): Greenville are looking for their first win of the season after a 0-0 draw to Burlington United, in which they failed to take multiple scoring chances, and a close 2-0 loss to Appalachian FC. They seem to profile as a mid-table team, so this game against Charlottetowne should be a good test. Both teams are looking for their first goal this season.
Appalachian FC vs. 865 Alliance (Saturday, May 17 at 7:00pm EST): 865 seemed to add some talent this season, but it was not enough to beat a better-revamped Bristol side. Now, going away from home for a second straight week to face the league leaders is a tall task. Barbados international forward Jaron Oughterson has 5 goals in his first two matches for Appalachian, and I’d expect him to make an impact again.
Standings:
Appalachian FC: 6 Points (+5 GD, 2 GP)
Bristol Rhythm AFC: 3 Points (+2 GD, 1 GP)
Hickory FC: 3 Points (+2 GD, 1 GP)
Burlington United: 1 Point (+0 GD, 1 GP)
Greenville United: 1 Point (-2 GD, 2 GP)
865 Alliance: 0 Points (-2 GD, 1 GP)
Charlottetowne Hops: 0 Points (-2 GD, 1 GP)
Port City FC: 0 Points (-3 GD, 1 GP)
The Southeast Soccer Report is an official media partner of the NPSL. Consider supporting our coverage by becoming a free subscriber!