Two Teams at the Top: Hickory FC Defeats Appalachian FC 1-0
Don’t look now but there are two teams at the top of the NPSL Southeast Conference after Saturday's matchup between Appalachian FC and Hickory FC. Hickory picked up three points, giving them nine on the season so far. Despite both teams having nine points, Hickory is in first because they are 3-0-0 while Appalachian FC sits in second place at 3-0-1. Another similarity between the teams is the goal difference, both teams have a goal difference of plus five with Appalachian scoring eight and Hickory scoring seven.
Getting into the lineup, there were no surprises for me. I’m glad Parker, Oughterson, and Frost got the start as I feel those three are key players that really give a boost to the whole team. Applewhite, Taylor, Becerra, and Dos Santos Haesler completed the defense while the midfield consisted of Oughterson, Frost and Garcia. The men in attack were Nakamae, Diakos, and Doyle.
Getting into the match, the score may have been 1-0 but both teams came to play a physical game from the start. The first half saw four yellow cards handed out, three to Hickory and one to Appalachian FC. The physicality didn’t stop after the break as seven cards were handed out in the second half, including one red to Luke Frost in extra time. The cards were split four to three with Appalachian having the majority. In a close battle, Hickory found a way to break through in the 79th minute as Pineda beat Parker for the game winning goal as it prove too much too late for the home side to overcome. When the final whistle blew, Hickory picked up three points on their way down the mountain.
The boys from Boone look to rebound on the 31st as they take on Bristol Rhythm AFC at Gene Malcolm Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.
Remember to stay locked in with the Southeast Soccer Report for your NPSL and Appalachian FC coverage.