The action started early when Columbus shouts for a penalty were denied in the 9th minute. The Columbus attacker tried to set up a shot inside of the box which was met with a strong tackle by Michael Rempel to deny a shot on target. The challenge raised penalty shouts from Columbus but the ref waved the forward up and signaled for play to continue.

The Blues finally found the breakthrough in the 32nd minute, courtesy of Dylan Kropp. Kropp received a pass from Ayman Maadir on the edge of the center circle and took a heavy touch to set up a shot before smashing an absolute screamer from about 35 yards out into the upper right corner, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead and Kropp a very real chance at USL League Two Goal of the Year.

The Blues got things going quick in the second half, as Joao Silva placed a pinpoint cross on the head of Edouard Nys who put it past the keeper to give Asheville a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute.

4 minutes later, the Blues struck again. Tony Kim placed a tidy finish past the Columbus keeper to continue his hot streak and give Asheville a commanding 3-0 advantage.

In the 65th minute, Columbus pulled one back. A mad scramble in the box and a deflected pass led the ball to Carter Berg who while falling got enough of a foot on the ball to sneak it past Jonny Mennell and bring the score to 3-1, which is how the match ended.

Dante Huckaby was awarded the Noble Cider Player of the Match award for his efforts in the match.

The #4 Nationally-Ranked Men in Blue return home to face off with Dothan United on Saturday, June 21st at 7:30 PM. The #2 Nationally-Ranked Women in Blue return home to Greenwood Field on Sunday, June 15th when they play the Chattanooga Red Wolves at 4:00 PM. You can buy your tickets here.