A Hedda Ornberg brace was all the difference in the match, as the Blues left Knoxville with a 2-0 win and the Golden Boot trophy in the first edition of the Smoky Mountain Series this season.
Things almost got off to a scary start when a Lilly Heaslet pass was deflected and then intercepted inside the goalbox, but Heaslet remained calm and composed and made a brilliant save to keep things scoreless early.
In the 18th minute, Brooke Pearson picked up the ball and launched a long-range attempt on goal but it was caught cleanly by Drew Tolley. There were no real threatening chances for either side until the 43rd minute, when the Blues found the opener.
Phoebe Hollin sent a beautiful corner kick into the mixer that found the head of Hedda Ornberg, who leaped above the rest of the crowd and headed it home to open her Asheville account and make it 1-0 Blues at the break.
Ornberg doubled the Asheville lead in the 61st minute after receiving a beautiful feed from Rachel Logue. Knoxville created a few threatening chances towards the end of the match but could not solve ACSC’s defense as the Blues emerged victorious in Knoxville, 2-0.
As a result of the win, the Blues took home the Golden Boot Trophy: The reward for winning a match in the Smoky Mountain Series, which was established in 2022.
Hedda Ornberg was named the Wicked Pie Player of the Match for her effort on the night, which included 2 goals.
The Women in Blue return home to Greenwood Field on Tuesday, May 9th at 6:30 PM when they welcome One Knoxville SC into town for the second edition of the Smoky Mountain series this season. The Men in Blue are home on Sunday, May 7th when they face off against Wake FC at 6:30. You can buy your tickets here.
