The Asheville City women’s team wrapped up the season with dominating 5-1 victory over NC Fusion at Memorial Stadium. The Blues' 3-3-6 record is good for a fourth place finish in the South Atlantic Division. The Club is proud of the players and staff for their relentless effort in the inaugural season for the USL W League.
This season was the first with Head Coach Jimena Rojas leading the Blues. She brought fresh energy to the club with an injection of fresh faces on the roster, while bring back local fan-favorites like Laura Greb and CJ Graham. ACSC's participation in the first ever season of the USL W League gave the opportunity for players to not only improve their own game and represent Asheville at a high level, but a fresh way to foster positive relationships with each other.
What a way to wrap up the season the Women's team dominated last night with a 5-1 win off a Riley Thompson hat trick over the Fusion.
— Asheville City SC (@AshevilleCitySC) July 10, 2022
Game recap: https://t.co/JVsZyekAJZ#BelongBelieveBeBlue | #ForTheW pic.twitter.com/ZxtqqclFjD
“The most important thing for us is that everyone is happy with the atmosphere. They are happy because we have a great team. They have created great relationships and I think they have all improved as players,” Rojas said.
Season highlights include playing in front of crowds of over 2,000 at Asheville's historic Memorial Stadium. The Blues made sure to put on a show when playing on front of the supporters, finishing the season with only one home loss.
The Blues also played an entertaining form of football wowed fans by combining individual brilliance with impressive teamwork.
-@StrayUNC
— Asheville City SC (@AshevilleCitySC) May 24, 2022
Just standing here, thinking about this beautiful buildup to set up Cami Johnstone's goal last Friday.
We've got your Goal of the Week right here, @USLWLeague pic.twitter.com/Qvtp1aiHB8
The team had multiple contributors on the field this season, truly capturing what it is like to play as a team.
Riley Thompson and Kiley Dulaney led the team in goals with four apiece. Dani Murguia trailed with three, including an USL W League Goal of the Week winner.
Leading the team in assists was Alyssa Frazier with four and Laura Greb with three.
Emory Wegener started at goalkeeper for the majority of the season and ended with a .824 save percentage and 56 total saves.
All-the-while Coach Rojas utilized some younger players this season as well, including those from the Asheville City SC Academy.
87' | #ForTheW
— Asheville City SC (@AshevilleCitySC) June 19, 2022
More on the goal… A sloppy Charlotte turnover leads to a great opportunity for City, when Riley Thompson found Kiley Dulaney in the box for the equalizer!
CLT 1 - 1 AVL pic.twitter.com/IBU8Dg7Hwa
The time in Asheville was well spent, as two players have already received news regarding the footballing future. Winger Yuliia Khrystiuk earned a call-up to the Ukrainian national team and midfielder Alyssa Frazier has just signed to play with RIK Karlskoga in Sweden.
As always fan support is a major part of the ACSC experience. The commitment of the fanbase was unrivaled to any other team in the division. Playing with the home field advantage was like having an extra player on the field, according to coach Rojas.
“Playing here is magical to be in front of the fans, the atmosphere is amazing,” Rojas said.
Although the women’s season has come to a close, there is still a chance to watch the Blues in action. The men’s team will fight for a national title in the coming weeks with their first playoff game coming the weekend of July 23.
Follow the Blues on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more season updates.
Tag(s): News