Three Points In The Queen City: Appalachian FC Defeats Charlottetowne Hops 5-1
Don’t look now but Appalachian FC are moving up the NPSL Southeast Conference standings. Following Saturday’s action which saw Appalachian take three points home after a dominant 5-1 win, they find themselves in third place on 15 points and a goal difference of plus nine. Following their loss, Chalottetowne sits in fourth place on 13 points. It’s no secret that the southeast has been action packed this season and it’s shaping up to be a close finish at the end of the season.
Looking at the lineup, it is similar to ones we’ve seen this season. Walker, Reece, Applewhaite and Becerra got the nod once again. Joining them at kickoff were Dos Santos Haesler, Oughterson, and Frost. Diakos, Doyle, Schierholz and Stone rounded out the starting XI.
Once again, no complaints from me. Getting Oughterson back is major. I think having him and Frost gives Appalachian two threats on offense that have the ability to change the game either by getting goals or setting up teammates. I think Appalachian is a strong team overall, if one player is unable to go, the coaches have many options that can step up without missing a beat or disrupting the chemsitry.
Getting into the match, both teams struggled to break a 0-0 tie in the first half. However Luke Frost was able to find the back of the net in the 31st minute putting the away side up 1-0. When the halftime whistle blew, Appalachian held a 1-0 lead. Halftime is the perfect opportunity to discuss tactics and make changes. While the teams were regrouping, Head Coach Dale Parker lit a fire under his men as Campbell Reece doubled the lead in the 50th minute. The spark was lit as Jaron Oughterson added another goal in the 56th minute. 3-0 in favor of the visitors.
Both teams fought hard to find the back of the net for the next 30 minutes before Ahiro Nakamae broke through in the 83rd minute. Chase Gilley would add the 5th goal five minutes later as he put one in the back of the net in the 88th minute. 5-0 in favor of Appalachian. The home side would finally find the back of the net with a goal in extra time. When the final whistle blew, Appalachian FC headed back to Boone with three points.
The boys are back in action on Saturday as they welcome Bristol Rhythm for a 7:00 pm kickoff for the last regular season home game at Ted Mack.
Thank you for reading and remember to stay locked in with the Southeast Soccer Report for you coverage of the NPSL and Appalachian FC.
Any more news about App FC's upcoming move to USL League 2 ?