Asheville City showed impressive offensive prowess and aggression but came up just short of a win on Tuesday night, drawing with Charlotte Independence 2 with a 1-1 scoreline.

The sold out crowd at Greenwood Field were entertained with an intense battle between the two sides desperate to improve their standing in the USL2 Deep South Division table. Forward Jack Stainrod was the lone goalscorer for City, netting his second of the campaign.

The first half showcased the general physicality of the evening as Charlotte’s Filipe Mendonca entered the referee’s book just minutes into the match after a late challenge on Blues’ defender Jamie Smith.

Smith almost had the ultimate laugh after making contact with a Mario Arrocha corner kick in the 10th minute, but the Englishman’s attempt went just wide of the near post.

Asheville maintained that momentum for the majority of the half as the Blues’ suffocating midfield kept the ball firmly in the final third for almost 15 minutes of play. This resulted in multiple chances from Stainrod, Joe LaCasto, Aaron McCready, and Ross Fitzpatrick. 

On the other end of the pitch, ACSC goalkeeper Will Watson made an impressive leap to block a would-be Charlotte goal just as the halftime whistle blew.

Less than 90 seconds from kicking off the second half, an Asheville turnover near the midfield allowed Charlotte to counterattack en route to the night’s opening goal. Charlotte’s leading goal scorer Chase Gilly received the ball in full stride as he entered the box, hitting it one time just beyond Watson’s reach. 

The goal acted as a shot of adrenaline for the Blues, as the hosts answered right back just a minute later. The goal was initially set up with the same offensive aggression seen in the first half, starting at the midfield. A loose ball found a Blue shirt before being flicked forward to Ross Fitzpatrick in open space. Fitzpatrick ran through the open field before hitting a screamer that blasted off the crossbar, directly to the feet of Stainrod. The forward had no issue at all tapping in the equalizer to send the home fans in a frenzy.

Stainrod continued to be a thorn along the right wing thanks to his fierce tenacity to chase down clearances and press high. Although given the majority of opportunities, the Blues could not deliver another goal in the second half. 

Between the goals and the full-time whistle, Jan-Erik Leinhose made his first appearance for the Blues. The german won the NCAA Division I National Championship with Marshall University two weeks prior. 

The tie sees Asheville own a 2-1-2 record, cementing their 3rd place position in the table with seven points. The Blues trail league leaders Southern Georgia Tormenta 2 by five points. 

The Blues return to the pitch Saturday when they face Peachtree City MOBA with a 7:30 kick-off. It will be Asheville’s third home game of the season. 

Peachtree City currently sits in 7th place in the division rankings following a recent win against East Atlanta. 

Next Saturday's contest has limited tickets remaining. 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.