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Photo courtesy: Eakin Howard

ACSC Women draw with NC Fusion for 2023 opener

By Hannah Tracy, 05/14/23, 7:00AM HST

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Photo courtesy: Eakin Howard

Photo courtesy: Eakin Howard

The Women of Asheville City Soccer Club went head to head against NC Fusion at Greenwood Field on Saturday, May 13, to open up the USLW 2023 season. 

The Blues put immediate pressure on Fusion’s back line and keeper. Addy Porter broke away from Fusion’s defenders taking the ball up the left flank where she sent a low cross in towards the keeper who was no match for Riley Thompson. Thompson tapped it in putting the Blues up 1 - 0 within the first three minutes. 

Riley Thompson goal, 05-13-23 vs NC Fusion

The Blues did not ease up the pressure on Fusion. In the 40th minute, midfielder Ilana Izquierda sent a corner in, nearly curving it straight into the goal, but Fusions keeper was just barely able to tap it out. Moments later Izquierda took another corner, lofting the ball straight into the box where Parker Roberts made contact with it, sending it just shy of the goal.

In the 29th minute Fusion would be granted a penalty kick. The shot sailed to the top right corner, just off the fingertips of goalkeeper Grace Laws. 

As the second half began, NC Fusion fought hard after bringing back their fighting chance. Second half goaltender, Addison Yelton, was no match for Fusion’s attempted pressure, keeping them shutout in the half. 

The Blues kept up their attack, moving the ball quickly forward and connecting with the strikers. Fusion’s defense held their own long enough to keep the score tied until the end, leaving the Blues hungry for more 

Ultimately, the Blues and Fusion both walked away with a point and Parker Roberts, an inaugural season returnee, was awarded the Highland Brewing Wishing Star of the Match.  "The leadership provided by Parker Roberts certainly stood out and provides us a firm foundation. It was great to have her back in Asheville again," said Head Coach Billy Lesesne.

"We were excited to get the season started and though the game did not end with the result we had hoped for, it does provide us an entry point to the season with many areas for growth," said Coach Lesesne. "With only three training sessions completed, there are certainly areas for improvement as we continue to get familiar with each other and we establish a style of play."

Up next, the Women hit the road traveling to take on FC Carolinas on Tuesday, May 16.

The Blues return to Greenwood Field on Saturday, May 20 where the men welcome in East Atlanta for the first game in USL2 league play of the 2023 season. 

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