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Blues Fall to Tormenta In USL Opener

By ACSC, 05/15/21, 8:00AM HST

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Asheville City opened the 2021 USL2 campaign with a 4-0 defeat to South Georgia Tormenta 2 in Statesboro, Georgia. For the Blues, it was their first game in 671 days and their first ever as members of USL2.

The hosts got on the board with a Gabriel Rodriguez goal in the 15th minute off of an initial brilliant save by City goalkeeper Jarrett Payne. The netminder parried an attempt away, but the rebound was left open for the taking by Rodriguez’s feet. The Statesboro outfit were quick to double their lead with a headed effort from Rodney Michael. 

Asheville respond with a flurry of chances just before the break stemming from three straight corner kicks. Each delivery found a Blue, including an effort which went just wide off the post from seven yards out. But with the ball not finding the back of the net, Asheville went into the half down 2-0.

Tormenta 2 sealed their victory withs a pair of second half goals as Gabriel Cabral bagged a brace in the 59th and 77th minute. The first goal curled just inside the back post from just outside of the box. His second goal put the game away for good as Asheville was amidst a comeback effort.

Asheville City will return to action Wednesday night when they travel to Dalton, Georgia to take on the Dalton Red Wolves. City fans can follow the game action on the club’s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts.

The Blues have moved their home ground to Greenwood Field on the UNC Asheville campus. At this time, capacity at Greenwood is limited to 300 fans. In response to Governor Cooper’s announcement lifting the gathering limits and social distancing requirements, the club is working with UNC Asheville to gradually transition to less restrictive protocols.