A late penalty from Franco Ocana lifted Asheville City SC over the previously undefeated Charlotte Independence 2 by a score of 1-0 on Monday night at Greenwood Field.
The Independence nearly found the opener in the 2nd minute when Marco Silva’s rocket from the edge of the box nailed the crossbar and ricocheted away.
The Blues nearly struck twice off of corners in the 12th and 32nd minutes respectively, but Dominik Renz and Dante Huckaby’s headers both went over the bar.
A dangerous free kick was awarded to the Blues just outside the box in the 40th minute and Franco Ocana stepped up to take it. Ocana curled his free kick up and over the Independence wall and nearly beat Juan Martinez to the lower left corner but Martinez made a diving save.
Charlotte mustered three shots on goal in the final five minutes of the half but Viscuso made three brilliant saves as the two sides went into the half scoreless.
The Blues created the first two dangerous chances of the half within the first 10 minutes after the break. First, Ashton Bilow charged down the pitch in transition and got off a sneaky quick shot from just outside the box that Martinez just managed to keep out. Two minutes later, Mitch Picksley used a brilliant solo effort to get into the box but slipped on his shot, sending the attempt wide.
In the 73rd minute, great combination play found Tyler Trimnal on the left flank who nearly curled his shot inside of the far post but a diving Martinez pushed it wide.
Charlotte nearly broke through in the 76th minute when a beautiful ball to the back post found Noah Behrmann but he touched it just wide.
Six minutes later the Blues found the opener. Tyler Trimnal was taken down in the box by a dangerous tackle, and Asheville was awarded a penalty. Ocana stepped up to take the kick. He sent Martinez the wrong way and passed the ball into the net for his 7th goal of the season and a 1-0 Asheville lead.
The Blues dominated possession the rest of the way as the Independence struggled to break down the Asheville defense, earning ACSC a 1-0 win at Greenwood Field.
Jack McDaid was named the Wicked Pie Player of the Match for his efforts on the night.
The Blues return home to Greenwood Field for Retro Night on Wednesday, July 1st at a newly-scheduled time of 5:20 PM when the SC United Bantams come to town.
Asheville City will also host the USL W League Southern Conference Semifinals and Finals at Greenwood Field this weekend. In the Semifinals on Friday, July 3rd the Charlotte Eagles play FC Miami City at 3:30 PM, while Asheville City hosts Lonestar SC at 7:00 PM. The Southern Conference Finals will be on Sunday, July 5th at 6:00 PM and will feature the two winners of Friday’s matches. You can buy your tickets here.
