Over 1000 Fans Turn Out for Appalachian FC’s U.S. Open Cup Match

By Alex Urquiza/NPSL.com

The Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex was packed Wednesday night as over 1,000 fans watched Appalachian FC host One Knoxville SC in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup. 

Fans were buzzing as they got to support the Sasquatches at home against a professional team.

“It’s been a phenomenal experience,” Appalachian FC head coach Dale Parker said. “It’s the first time we hosted a professional team in a home match.”   

Set pieces made the difference as One Knoxville SC defeated Appalachian FC 3-0 with all three goals coming from set pieces. 

Goalkeeper Juan Rodriguez was tested early after he stopped a close range shot five minutes into the game.

Appalachian FC got fouled outside the 18-yard box and were rewarded a free kick from a dangerous position.  The ball was crossed into the box and center back Matthew Tricker headed it over for Appalachian FC’s first shot of the game. 

The Sasquatches defense began to soak up pressure and cleared the ball for a corner kick.  One Knoxville whipped the corner into the box, and Leo Santos volleyed it into the net to give the visitors a lead in the 16th minute. 

After being on the receiving end for the majority of the first half, Appalachian FC nearly tied it right before the end of the first half.  The host crossed the ball into the box, and it landed to unmarked right back Harri Rowe who headed it just wide from goal. 

Appalachian FC entered the second half more aggressive, being down by a goal.  Rowe received the ball near the halfway line and noticed the opposition goalkeeper off his line.  The Welsh right back shot it from distance, and the ball bounced off the far post, nearly tying the game for the hosts. 

“We hit the post at one-nil,” Parker said. “I would have loved that to go in.  1-1 midway in the second half, it would’ve been amazing for the fans.”

Discipline and experience separated the two sides.  Appalachian FC committed two separate fouls right outside the 18-yard box in the second half, conceding from both free kicks. 

“I think the overriding disappointment was how we gave up goals,” Parker said. 

Both fouls resulted in two yellow cards, with Appalachian FC center back and captain Rashawn Kellman being one of those booked. 

“We switched off, lack of focus,” Kellman said. “Kudos to them, they were the better team in terms of set pieces.” 

In the final minutes of the game, forward Jeremiah Luoma received a cross in the penalty box but headed it over, nearly giving the Sasquatches a goal before the full-time whistle. 

“What more could you ask for from the boys,” Kellman said. “I feel like we were amazing that night.  The opportunities didn’t fall our way but it was a good effort from the boys.”

Appalachian FC return to action Saturday May 10 for their NPSL home opener vs Port City FC. With a game against a professional team already under his belt, Parker looks forward to his fifth season in charge. 

“To have this competitive game in the middle of all that it just sharpens our mind, and we’ll definitely be better for it,” Parker said.

Photo Credit: Alex Urquiza/NPSL.com