The Asheville City Women’s team ended their season on a high note Saturday night with a 5-1 win against NC Fusion. 

Although the game started slow, the Blues eventually picked it up with four goals scored in the first half alone. 

During the 14th minute the NC Fusion scored on a cross, putting the Blues in a deficit. Then in the 22nd minute the Blues made their first change of the night with Hope Ingram entering the match for Sarah Groce. 

After the Fusion scored, the team was able to make some on-field adjustments according to head coach Jimena Rojas. 

“We were able to play with two different formations. We started with a 3-5-2, and then after they scored we switched it to a 4-3-1,” Rojas said. 

After a deserved water break, Riley Thompson broke the game open by scoring two goals in a three minute span. The second saw Laura Greb earning an assist. 

Not long after, Laura Greb capitalized on the momentum and scored in the 30th minute bringing the score to 3-1. 

Similar to the Wednesday men’s game, the women’s team did not hold back on scoring. In the 44th minute, Dani Murguia scored, ending the half with a 4-1 lead. 

In just fifteen minutes the Blues scored four goals, keeping the fans on their toes. 

A break at halftime allowed the team to rest and hydrate, paving the way for Riley Thompson to score her third of the night. 

“It felt great. It felt great to end the season with a hattrick. I am proud of us for ending with a win,” Thompson said, “I think I gained a lot of confidence back. I have been lacking on that, so I’m happy about that.” 

At the 57th minute the Blues made two substitutions. Daniela Contreras made her ACSC debut entering for Murguia. Then, Sachiko Gamo entered the match for Thompson. 

In the 80th minute, the team made their final changes of the evening. Callie Swanger, Caroline Dew, and Lindie Clark all entered for Laura Greb, Maison Wells, and Gillian Oyos respectively. 

The Blues finished the match with a 5-1 win ending their season on a spectacular high. The women’s team finished their season with a 3-3-6 record in USLW league play. 

“The Asheville City fans are nothing like I’ve played for before. I love our fans. They are there for us no matter what. Even if we lose they are cheering for us. I love that,” Thompson said. 

Although the women’s season is over, the men’s team still have a game and a half left in the regular season. 

First the men’s team will resume the Tri-Cities Otters game at 6:30 p.m. at the John B Lewis Soccer Fields. Then, on Saturday, July 16 they will play the SC Bantams at 7:30 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.