It took a while for the Blues to break through, but once they did, another goal soon followed as Asheville City earned a 2-0 win over One Knoxville SC to retain the Golden Boot Trophy and complete the season sweep.
Asheville nearly scored in the 17th minute, when Kelly Gordon hopped on a loose ball at the edge of the box. She created space from her defender and fired a shot that deflected into Marleigh Frazier’s arms.
Seven minutes later, Knoxville created a 1-on-1 opportunity but Lilly Heaslet made a nice diving stop to keep things level.
The second half was much like the first with both teams preventing dangerous chances until the 69th minute, when the Blues earned a corner. Phoebe Hollin picked out Rachel Logue who directed her header on frame but Frazier saved it.
A foul in the box on Knoxville gave the Blues a penalty kick in the 78th minute. Hollin stepped up to the spot and placed a rocket into the bottom left corner to give the Blues a 1-0 lead.
Two minutes later, the Blues nearly struck again when Hedda Ornberg forced a turnover from the Knoxville backline. She had a 1-on-1 opportunity but Frazier made a great save to keep her team within one.
A scramble in the box fell to Logue five minutes later, who fired it home through traffic to give the Blues a 2-0 win in Knoxville. The Blues swept all three meetings against One Knox this season, and will keep hold of the Golden Boot Trophy until the next meeting.
Phoebe Hollin was named the Wicked Pie Player of the Match for her efforts on the night, which included the game-winning goal from the spot.
The Women in Blue return home on Sunday, June 28th for their final home game when Birmingham Legion WFC comes to town. The winner of the match wins the South Central Division title and punches their ticket to the playoffs. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM.
The Men in Blue return home Friday, June 26th when the Charlotte Eagles come to town for a 7:00 PM kick. The Warren Haynes x Official League x ACSC merch collection will be released that day and is available for purchase at the match. You can buy your tickets here.
