Asheville City Soccer Club’s USL2 team closed out their home season with a dominant 4-2 win over rivals Charlotte Eagles.

The Blues came into the night with a chip on their shoulder, having lost to the Eagles in the previous fixture, 1-0. Searching for revenge, ACSC scored early and often.

Nathan Watt opened the Blues’ account on the night with an impressive goal in the 19th minute thanks to an assist from Jamie Smith. The two Englishman paired up after Smith’s cross was initially parried by the goalkeeper before falling straight to Watt’s feet. 

The early goal came as a relief to the Blues after sustaining a prolonged goalless drought over a handful of games. The opener was incredibly impactful on the team, according to head coach Mick Giordano. 

“I don’t know if I can explain the emotion of finally breaking it open,” Giordano said. “It’s been a tough skid for sure without scoring goals. The boys were doing everything possible and working exceptionally hard. So finally tonight you could tell the seal absolutely broke.”

And break open it did as City scored a pair of goals in a matter of minutes. The 27th minute saw Joseph LaCasto one-time a mouthwatering through-ball from Mario Arrocha into the back of the net. The play was initially set up by up-field pressure from Watt, whose slide tackle forced the turnover towards. This is LaCasto’s second goal of the season. 

Fans were still celebrating LaCasto’s goal when Arrocha curled a free-kick into the bottom left corner of the net. An half hour in and the Blues were up 3-0 on their rivals; the rout was on.

Despite the blowout lead, CIty remained on the front foot. Davis Biggerstaff did well to find Kevin Daly along the wing. Along the right corner of the box, Daly cut inside to free up space before nailing City’s fourth goal of the night.

By halftime, the Blues showed marvelous team effort as multiple players played parts for each goal. 

“We’ve been working on belief and just continuing to attack. Something I told the boys is just go out there and do it for the fans. We have some of the best fans in the country and we need to end the season on a high note,” Giordano said. 

Those very fans left Greenwood Field happy as City held their lead en route to the 4-2 victory.

The Boys in Blue will join ACSC’s WPSL side in facing Charlotte Independence on Sunday.

“For the next game I told the boys to go be a winner. That’s what this club is all about. Give everything you have for the badge and for the club,” Giordano said. 

Kickoff for the women’s game vs. Charlotte Independence Central is slated for 4:30. The men’s game will begin at 7:30. Both matches will be in Rock Hill, SC and complete the regular season for both teams.