Asheville City Soccer Club returned to Memorial Stadium on the evening of May 6th after over 1,000 days away from the beloved Stadium the Blues call home. 

ACSC men’s team took on NC Fusion’s USL2 team in a friendly with a 7:30pm kickoff. NC Fusion, an exceptionally successful team, gave ACSC solid competition for the season opener. 

“It’s a huge test for us because they went to the national final last year…it’s the best test we could’ve asked for,” said Coach Wells. 

The Blues, captained by Ryan Baer, drew 1-1 against NC Fusion. Captain Baer set the tone early keeping the tempo high and aggression strong. 

After NC Fusion scored the first goal of the game in the 28 minute, Ethan Dekel for the Blues followed up with the first goal of the season in the 37 minute to tie it up.

High school junior Sean Green, 16, stepped up into goal for the full 90-minutes proving his place on the team despite his young age. 

“He took it like a champ, he wasn’t phased at all. He knows how good he is and he has just proved that out there today.”

Asheville’s notoriously wet spring weather tested some of the  fans with early rain and thunder pregame but eventually opened up to provide a gorgeous night for the home opener. Notwithstanding the weather, Blues fans showed out and provided an incredible atmosphere for the teams. South Slope Blues were the highlight of the game, coming in loud and proud with the unique and unmatched energy they always bring. 

When asked about any high points Coach Wells noted from today he stated, “South Slope Blues all day, they were fantastic… The fans were unbelievable. You could tell our guys were like ‘wow’, they have not been around something like this before. We’re really excited!” 

Next week, the men’s team will travel to Knoxville TN for the inaugural Smoky Mountain Series game on May 14th. 

Both ACSC teams will compete in a double-header home opener on Friday, May 20. The men’s team will face the Dalton Red Wolves at 5 p.m. Immediately following, the women’s team will face the NC Fusion at 7:30 p.m. for their inaugural USLW match. 

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