Asheville City earned their second win in as many games with a 4-0 thumping over East Atlanta in Conyers, Georgia. The win improves City’s record to two wins and two losses, for a total of six points in the league table.

The match saw four different goal scorers as Nathan Watt, Joe LaCasto, Zack Aversano, and Michael Wilkerson all found the back of the EAFC net. The victory over the Legends also saw goalie Will Watson record his second straight clean sheet, allowing City to flip their goal difference en route to a second place standing in the USL2 Deep South Division table.

The match started slowly as both sides worked to find their formation. Both clubs traded chances until the 25th minutes when a LaCasto cross found Watt alone beyond the far post. Watt took his time to control the ball before curling the ball over the keeper for City’s first goal.

Asheville doubled their lead just before halftime as a beautifully worked give-and-go between Ross Fitzpatrick and Mario Arrocha opened space to the left for Fitzpatrick. A cheeky back pass from the endline towards the top of the box gave LaCasto more than enough time and space to bury City’s second goal. The height of the play came when Fitzpatrick lifted his arms in triumph before LaCasto’s ball hit the back of the EAFC net.

Halftime in a steamy evening in Conyers offered the Blues and their hosts a reprieve from the 90-plus temperatures. But it was not long until the Legends began to sweat again as a lovely flick from Jack Stainrod inside of the box was deflected off an EAFC defender’s arm for a City penalty. Stainrod took the penalty kick just inside the 50th minute, but saw his attempt sail just over the bar.

Despite the missed opportunity, City remained motivated to claim their third goal. Arrocha showcased this desire with wonderful first touch control and a turn at the midfield line to head goalside. He danced beyond multiple EAFC defenders, leading to a left-footed shot that was hastily collected by the keeper.

Although the match was controlled by the Blues with their constant attacking threat, City was not able to pad their lead until the 84th minute when recently subbed on Aversano did well to shrug off a would-be tackle just outside of the box. The failed slide tackle allowed the City midfielder to quickly attack the open field for a simple right-footed shot that found the left-corner of the net, just beyond the outstretched glove of the goalie.

Wilkerson put the cherry on top of a stellar evening for the Blues with an unassisted goal just as the match entered stoppage time. EAFC defenders simply backed-off from the City midfielder, affording him open space that he swiftly took advantage of.

Although the contest was dominated by City’s ruthless attack, the defensive effort was what the players and staff were mostly proud of. The club inspired an 11-man defensive strategy with an aggressive press up the pitch. This was anchored by a rock-solid center within City’s own third. The strategy allowed City keeper Will Watson to collect his second clean sheet in as many games, all coming within a week of graduating from high school.

Asheville’s victory over EAFC, paired with other results around the league, propelled the Blues to second place in the USL2 Deep South Division standings. While they are tied with the Dalton Red Wolves at six points apiece, the Blues own the upper hand thanks to a one goal lead in goal difference.

The Blues have a week off before their next match against Charlotte Independence 2 on Tuesday, June 1st with a 7:30 kick-off. It will be Asheville’s second home game of the season, and second ever since moving to Greenwood Field on the campus of UNC-Asheville.

Independence 2 currently sit in 5th place in the table following a nil-all draw against SC United Bantams. Their parent club, Charlotte Independence are a member of the USL Championship; the second highest league within the United States Soccer Federation league pyramid.

The match against Charlotte is the first of three straight at Greenwood Field. The Blues will face Peachtree City MOBA the following Saturday before a massive tilt against third place Dalton Red Wolves a week later. Tickets for City home games can be bought here. Food, drink, and beer are available for purchase inside the stadium gates thanks to Asheville City’s partners.

In response to North Carolina Governor Cooper’s announcement lifting the gathering limits and social distancing requirements, the Club asks for supporters to remain patient as Asheville City continues to work with UNC-Asheville to gradually transition to less restrictive protocols. The Blues appreciate the supporters’ patience and understanding.